Orthopaedic Device Variable Inner Periphery Mounting Force Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopaedic devices with sensor-based adjustment systems face challenges in accurately adapting to varying pressure conditions due to direct pressure measurement deviations and high forces acting on soft tissues, which can lead to inconsistent fit and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
An orthopaedic device with a wall that has a variable inner periphery, equipped with an actuator and sensor device to detect mounting forces indirectly, allowing for precise mechatronic adaptation without direct pressure measurement, using sensors to infer pressure conditions and adjust the fit accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct pressure measurement is used to adapt the orthopaedic device, then the device can be adjusted to pressure conditions, but measurement deviations and high forces on soft tissues lead to inaccurate and inconsistent fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by measuring mounting forces on the device structure (actuator mounting forces) rather than directly measuring pressure on soft tissues. This intermediary measurement point provides more reliable and consistent data for adaptation control, avoiding the measurement deviations associated with direct pressure sensors on soft tissues.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are placed in direct contact with skin or soft structures, then pressure conditions can be detected, but measurement deviations occur due to high forces and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the device structure itself (mounting points of actuators) as an intermediary to sense the effects of pressure conditions. By measuring the forces required to maintain the device in position against the body, the system indirectly detects pressure conditions without placing sensors directly on soft tissues, thereby avoiding measurement deviations from high forces and tissue movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to adapt different regions of the wall, then the device can be precisely adapted to varying pressure conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adaptation function into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for a specific region of the wall. This segmentation allows precise local adaptation to varying pressure conditions in different body regions while maintaining overall system manageability through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inner periphery of the wall by varying the effective length of actuation elements in real-time based on detected mounting forces. This dynamic adaptation capability allows the device to respond to changing pressure conditions throughout the day without requiring a completely new device design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthopaedic device having at least one wall which at least partly surrounds a stump or appendage when applied; —the wall has a variable inner periphery and forms an entry opening; —the wall is assigned an actuator, mounted on the orthopaedic device, for at least one actuating element which is mounted on the orthopaedic device and can be used to vary the inner periphery of the wall, wherein at least one sensor device is assigned to the mounting of the actuator and/or the actuating element in order to determine mounting forces of the actuator and/or the actuating element.