Orthopedic Device Self-Calibration for Sensor Placement Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic technical devices for lower extremities are complex to set up, prone to incorrect fitting, and require skilled personnel, leading to potential accidents and reduced patient acceptance due to the need for elaborate teaching and precise sensor placement.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic technical device with an electrical evaluation unit that switches into a learning mode to establish system characteristic values, optimize control algorithms, and correct sensor data errors, allowing for intuitive operation and flexible sensor placement, reducing the need for precise fitting and qualified staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elaborate teaching and precise sensor placement are required, then the device functions reliably, but the setup becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The orthopedic technical device performs self-calibration through automatic reference measurement. The control unit automatically determines system characteristic values by measuring reference signals during a learning mode, eliminating the need for manual calibration by skilled personnel. This self-service approach maintains reliability while dramatically simplifying setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a learning mode that performs preliminary calibration measurements before normal operation. During this phase, the system automatically establishes reference values and system characteristics, preparing the device for reliable operation without requiring subsequent manual adjustment or complex setup procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If skilled personnel are required for fitting and adjustment, then the device is set up accurately, but the requirement for qualified staff increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic calibration system performs fitting and adjustment functions that previously required skilled personnel. The control unit autonomously determines system characteristic values and optimizes control algorithms through reference measurements, replacing the need for qualified orthopedic technicians while maintaining fitting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from reference sensor measurements to automatically adjust and optimize its operation. The control unit continuously monitors system characteristic values and adjusts control algorithms based on measured data, enabling accurate fitting without requiring skilled personnel to perform manual adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor must be placed at a specific position, then measurement accuracy is high, but the device becomes difficult to operate and patient acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for variations in sensor placement by automatically adapting its measurement parameters. The control unit determines system characteristic values that account for the actual sensor position, allowing accurate operation even when the sensor is attached at different locations on the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to work with sensors placed at multiple possible positions. The automatic reference measurement approach can determine accurate system characteristics regardless of the specific sensor location, making the device universally applicable and easier to operate without requiring precise placement.
4Productivity
If incorrect fitting is possible, then the device can be set up faster, but the risk of accidents and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors system characteristic values and provides feedback to detect incorrect fitting or sensor placement. By comparing measured values against expected ranges, the system can identify setup errors and alert the user, preventing operational safety issues while maintaining fast setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The learning mode performs preliminary validation of sensor placement and system configuration before normal operation begins. This preliminary check ensures that the device is correctly set up and functioning safely, preventing operational errors while maintaining rapid setup speed through automated procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthopedic technical device for the lower extremities, with at least one receptacle (12, 16) for an extremity (14, 18), a sensor (30) and an electric evaluating unit (34), which is connected with the sensor (30) for processing data of a sensor (30). According to the invention, it is proposed that the electric evaluating unit (34) be set up in order to carry out a method with the following steps: (i) switching into a learning mode, (ii) determining at least one characteristic value of the system (R, S, N, aw,threshold), (iii) storing the characteristic value of the system (R, S, N, aw,threshold), (iv) switching into an operating method and (v), in the operating mode, influencing, optimizing or selecting a control algorithm of the orthopedic device by means of the characteristic value of the system (R, S, N, aw,threshold).