Orthopaedic Device Frontal Plane Sensor Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic devices of the lower extremity, such as orthoses and prostheses, require high user attentiveness to switch between operating modes, limiting their versatility and ease of use in daily activities.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes sensor data to detect orientation and displacement in the frontal plane, allowing the actuator to be activated, deactivated, or have its target value modulated to influence pivot resistance and relative movement between the upper and lower parts of the orthopedic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the orthopedic device requires manual switching between operating modes, then the user can control the device, but the user must maintain high attentiveness which limits ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic device automatically detects lateral inclination and movement through sensors and adjusts resistance and movement without requiring user input. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making appropriate adjustments, eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining appropriate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses sensor data feedback to detect lateral inclination and movement, then automatically adjusts the actuator and resistance units accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to user needs without manual intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining precise control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orthopedic device is designed with multiple operating modes, then the device becomes more versatile, but the complexity of controlling and switching between modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts its characteristics based on detected lateral inclination and movement. Rather than requiring manual switching between discrete modes, the system continuously adapts resistance and movement parameters in real-time, simplifying control while maintaining versatility across different activity scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The orthopedic device achieves multi-functionality through a single unified control system that handles various operating conditions automatically. The same sensor-based control mechanism serves multiple purposes (different activities, inclinations, movements), eliminating the need for separate control systems for each mode and reducing overall complexity.
3Extent of automation
If the actuator continuously adjusts resistance based on sensor data, then the device responds automatically to user needs, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically changes resistance and movement parameters based on sensor-detected lateral inclination and movement. By focusing on parameter modulation rather than complex control architecture, the device achieves automatic adjustment with relatively simple control logic, adjusting only the necessary parameters in response to sensor feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopaedic device (100) for the lower extremity, having a top part (2) and a bottom part (3), which are fitted with one another in an articulated manner about at least one pivot axis (4) so as to form a joint (5), and having at least one actuator (6) which is coupled to a control device (7) which activates or deactivates the actuator (6) on the basis of sensor data from at least one sensor (8) coupled to the control device (7), in order to influence a pivoting resistance and/or a movement of the top part (2) relative to the bottom part (3), wherein an orientation and/or displacement of the orthopaedic device (100) in the frontal plane is detected using the sensor data and the actuator (6) is activated or deactivated or a target value for the actuator (6) is modulated on the basis of the orientation and/or displacement in the frontal plane.