Orthopedic Device Dynamic Joint Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Orthopedic devices, such as orthoses and exoskeletons, face challenges in adapting to changing anatomical and physiological conditions of users, particularly in adjusting extension stops to accommodate varying joint angles and movement needs, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

The orthopedic device features adjustable fastening points, actuators, and sensors that allow for dynamic adjustment of joint angles and extension stops, enabling the device to adapt to changing user conditions without requiring manual intervention, using mechanisms like motor-driven displacement of fastening points, hydraulic systems, and sensor-controlled actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If extension stops are fixed to limit maximum joint angle, then joint stability is improved, but adaptability to changing anatomical conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to anatomical changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The extension stop is made adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the lower part, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate changing anatomical conditions while maintaining joint stability through controlled limitation of extension movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the extension stop is changed as a variable parameter, allowing adjustment of the maximum joint angle to match individual anatomical variations and changing physiological conditions of the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If extension stop position is adjusted manually, then adaptability to anatomical changes is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to anatomical changesVSAvoidease of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated actuator system that uses sensors to detect anatomical conditions and automatically positions the extension stop, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If extension stop limits maximum joint angle, then prevention of overstraining is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverstraining preventionVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The maximum joint angle limitation is adjusted as a variable parameter based on individual anatomical conditions, allowing optimization of protection against overstraining while accommodating natural movement requirements of different users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240156665A1Orthopaedic technical device and method for controlling same

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PROD GMBH

AI summary

Methods for controlling an orthopedic technical device having a top part and a bottom part, which are connected to each other by at least one joint device so as to be pivotable about a joint axis, and at least one attachment device with which the orthopedic technical device can be fixed to a limb are provided. The orthopedic technical device also has an actuator, which is fixed to attachment points on the top part and the bottom part and influences a pivoting of the top part relative to the bottom part, wherein the orientation of the bottom part can be adjusted relative to the limb which is fixable to the upper part.