Unified Control Interface for Orthopedic Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems comprising multiple orthopedic components with electrical and/or electronic devices, such as prosthetic knee and ankle joints, it is challenging to conveniently monitor and control the electrical and/or electronic equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system with an operating and feedback device that allows for the monitoring, control, and adjustment of all electrical and/or electronic devices, featuring a feedback element for optical, tactile, acoustic, or thermal output to provide information on the state of charge and functionality, enabling activation, deactivation, or mode switching of these devices through a single interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical and/or electronic devices are integrated into orthopedic components, then functionality and performance are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical and/or electronic devices into a single integrated system with a centralized control unit that manages all devices. This merging approach maintains the functionality of individual devices while reducing overall system complexity through unified control and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls all electrical and/or electronic devices, monitors their operational status, manages energy distribution from the energy store, and provides user interfaces. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical and/or electronic devices are integrated into orthopedic components, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single operating device with a control unit provides a unified interface for controlling all electrical and/or electronic devices in the system. This eliminates the need for users to interact with multiple separate controls, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full functionality of all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple electrical and/or electronic devices. It receives user inputs through the operating device and translates them into appropriate commands for the various devices, simplifying the user interface while maintaining complex device capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and electrical devices are distributed across orthopedic components, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors and electrical devices under a single control unit that centrally manages data collection and processing. This merging approach maintains the measurement precision of individual sensors while simplifying monitoring through unified data handling and centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the operational status of all electrical and/or electronic devices and sensors. This feedback system provides real-time information about device performance and sensor readings, making it easier to detect and measure system states without sacrificing measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system consisting of at least one orthopaedic component (10, 11, 12, 15), having at least one stored energy source (115, 125) and multiple electrical and/or electronic devices (110, 120), and at least one operator control device and/or feedback device (100), which is assigned to the electrical and/or electronic devices (110, 120) and is coupled to them.