Orthopaedic Fitting Simulation for Patient-Specific Device Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring orthopedic devices fail to consider individual patient anatomy and movement dynamics, leading to potential adverse effects on the body.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based method involving a digital body model, patient parameters, and simulation to optimize orthopedic treatment proposals, reducing negative interactions and ensuring optimal fit and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods for configuring orthopedic devices are used, then the configuration process is simple and quick, but individual patient anatomy and movement dynamics are not considered, leading to potential adverse effects on the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of orthopedic device configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual simulations and interaction assessments before the actual orthopedic device is applied to the patient. The method simulates the orthopedic device on a digital body model to evaluate potential adverse effects on remaining body parts before real-world application, thereby ensuring safety without adding physical complexity to the actual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a digital copy (virtual model) of the patient's body to perform simulations and assessments. Instead of directly testing on the patient, the method creates and evaluates a digital representation, allowing comprehensive analysis of anatomical interactions and potential adverse effects without complicating the actual medical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Object-affected harmful factors

If comprehensive patient parameters and simulations are used to optimize orthopedic device configuration, then adverse effects on the body are minimized, but the configuration time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadverse effects on remaining body partsVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs comprehensive simulations and interaction assessments in advance, before the orthopedic device is actually configured and applied. By evaluating potential adverse effects on remaining body parts through virtual modeling beforehand, the actual configuration process can proceed more efficiently with pre-validated parameters, reducing overall time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical trial-and-error configuration methods with computational simulations. Instead of physically adjusting and testing orthopedic devices on patients to identify adverse effects, the method uses digital simulations to predict and evaluate interactions, significantly reducing the time required for safe configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If traditional configuration methods without simulation are used, then the configuration process is fast, but negative interactions with the patient's body cannot be identified beforehand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about adverse effectsVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's body with relevant anatomical features to simulate and evaluate orthopedic device interactions. This virtual model preserves and analyzes information about potential adverse effects on remaining body parts that would be impossible to obtain through traditional configuration methods, comprehensively capturing interaction data without physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The method substitutes physical evaluation and observation with computational analysis. Instead of relying on physical trials to discover adverse effects, the patent uses simulation systems to predict and identify negative interactions with the patient's body beforehand, gaining critical information without adding mechanical complexity to the actual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250381047A1Method for setting up an orthopaedic device

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 OTTOBOCK SE & CO KGAA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the computer-based setting up of an orthopaedic device which is worn on the body of a patient provided therewith, the method comprising the following computer-implemented steps:—providing a digital model of the body:—providing body-related patient parameters for fitting the patient with an orthopaedic device; —providing a digital orthopaedic care proposal which comprises providing the patient with an orthopaedic care model and with care parameters associated therewith:—using a simulation device to simulate orthopaedic care for the patient on the model of the body with the orthopaedic care proposal, taking account of the body-related patient parameters provided,—wherein, on the basis of the simulation, an interaction between the model of the body and the orthopaedic care proposal is ascertained by means of an evaluation unit; and—determining on the basis of the orthopaedic care proposal already provided an optimized orthopaedic care proposal in dependence on the interaction ascertained by means of the evaluation unit.