Orthopedic Gait Control Using Contralateral Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling orthopedic devices rely on retrospective determination of movement states, which can lead to imbalances and postural problems when the wearer's movement state changes unexpectedly, particularly in cases of partial paralysis, as they fail to account for the natural coordination between body parts.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the temporal profile of parameters from both the ipsilateral and contralateral body parts to control controllable actuators, such as electrodes for electrical stimulation, to synchronize the movement of the treated body part with the natural gait pattern of the wearer, particularly by stimulating muscles like the deltoid muscles based on detected movement states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If retrospective determination of movement state is used to control orthopedic devices, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to imbalances and postural problems when movement state changes unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of movement states by evaluating temporal profiles of parameters from multiple body parts before executing specific control actions. This advance classification allows the control system to prepare appropriate responses in advance, improving reliability when movement states change unexpectedly during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors parameters from multiple body parts (contralateral limb, trunk, affected limb) and uses temporal profile analysis to detect changes in movement state. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adaptation of control parameters, ensuring reliable movement control even when unexpected changes occur during operation.
2Measurement precision
If only ipsilateral body part parameters are used for movement state determination, then measurement precision is improved for the treated area, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to account for natural coordination between body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the movement analysis into multiple independent components: parameters from the contralateral limb, parameters from the trunk, and parameters from the affected limb. Each segment is analyzed separately for temporal profiles, then integrated to achieve comprehensive and adaptable movement state determination that respects natural inter-limb coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the temporal dimension by analyzing temporal profiles of parameters rather than single time-point measurements. This temporal analysis, combined with multi-body-part parameter integration, creates a multi-dimensional view of movement state that improves both precision and adaptability to various gait patterns.
3Speed
If controllable actuators are controlled based on single time-point measurements, then response speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to capture temporal movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temporal profile analysis of parameters from multiple body parts before triggering actuator control. This advance temporal characterization allows the system to capture complete movement patterns in advance, ensuring accurate movement reproduction while maintaining fast actuator response when control actions are executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic evaluation of temporal profiles at defined evaluation intervals to determine movement states. This periodic analysis captures temporal movement patterns systematically, allowing accurate movement pattern reproduction while maintaining efficient periodic control updates that preserve response speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the natural movement similarity and reduces the risk of imbalances and injuries by adaptively controlling the orthopedic device to match the wearer's natural gait, even in cases of partial paralysis, thereby improving gait pattern and reducing strain.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one controllable actuator has at least one electrode for electrical stimulation, which is controlled in such a way that at least one arm of the wearer is made to oscillate depending on the recognized state of movement of the wearer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an orthopedic device, which • - supports a first body part (24) of a wearer and • - has at least one controllable actuator, wherein the method comprises the following steps: • a) determining a chronological progression of at least one parameter, which allows a conclusion to be drawn regarding a state of motion of the wearer, from measurement values of at least one sensor, • b) detecting the state of motion from the at least one determined chronological progression and • c) controlling the at least one controllable actuator depending on the detected state of motion, wherein, for detecting the state of motion, at least the chronological progression of at least one parameter of a second body part (26) of the wearer is also used, wherein the at least one controllable actuator has at least one electrode for electrostimulation, which electrode is actuated such that at least one arm of the wearer is caused to swing depending on the detected state of motion.