Orthopedic Structural Element With Integrated Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopedic devices often require adjustable structural elements to fit individual user conditions, but existing solutions complicate length modification and sensor integration, leading to cumbersome installations and potential hazards from exposed cables.
Innovation Solution
A structural element with integrated sensors and conductors that extend along its length, allowing for simple length adjustment by removing excess material while maintaining consistent contact surfaces, and featuring insulated conductors and sliding contacts for secure and flexible electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductors are routed out of the structural element with plug-in contacts, then sensor data can be read out, but the installation becomes cumbersome and cable-related hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conductors with the structural element by integrating them into the end region, eliminating separate cable routing and plug-in contacts. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining sensor data transmission capability through contact surfaces formed directly on the structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the conductors from the external routing approach and relocates them into the structural element itself, specifically into the end region. This extraction eliminates the need for external cable management and reduces potential hazards from exposed cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structural element length is modified to fit individual users, then precise fitting is achieved, but existing conductor arrangements require complex reworking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the conductor arrangement in the end region of the structural element, separate from the main load-bearing region. This allows the main body to be freely shortened or lengthened for individual fitting while the end region with integrated contact surfaces remains unchanged, eliminating the need for complex conductor reworking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the structural element into a main body region and an end region, where the end region contains the integrated conductors and contact surfaces. This segmentation allows independent modification of the main body length without affecting the conductor arrangement in the end region.
3Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the structural element, then good mechanical screening is achieved, but conductor routing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conductors with the structural element by integrating them into the end region material itself, rather than routing them separately. This combining approach maintains mechanical screening while simplifying conductor routing, as the conductors become an inherent part of the structural element's end region.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a structural element for an orthopedic device, comprising at least one sensor (2) disposed in or on the structural element (1) and connected by means of conductors (13) for transferring energy and/or sensor signals, wherein the conductors (13) are integrated in the structural element (1), extend along an end area (A) of the structural element (1), and open into the end area (A), forming contact surfaces (3) there.