Automated Orthopedic Joint Locking via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthopedic devices, such as prosthetic knee joints, require active user intervention for unlocking the locking mechanism, which can be cumbersome for users with reduced motor abilities, and lack automated safety features to prevent falls during standing and walking.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic device with a pivotable joint and a locking mechanism that can be automatically unlocked or blocked based on sensor data from position, angle, force, and torque sensors, allowing for voluntary and involuntary control, including automatic unlocking during sitting and blocking during standing to prevent falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual locking mechanism is used in orthopedic devices, then the device structure remains simple, but user operation becomes difficult for patients with reduced motor abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical locking system with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect user position and movement, and an actuator automatically controls the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual cable pulling or switching operations by patients with limited motor ability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism becomes self-regulating through automated sensing and actuation. The system monitors user position and movement independently, automatically locking or unlocking based on detected conditions without requiring user intervention, effectively making the system serve itself
2Reliability
If automatic sensing and actuation systems are added to orthopedic devices, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor user position and movement, transmit this information to a control system, and the actuator adjusts the locking state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures safe operation by automatically responding to user conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sensing and preparation before actuation. Sensors detect user position and movement intentions in advance, allowing the locking mechanism to be pre-positioned or pre-loaded, enabling rapid and safe response when locking or unlocking is required
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part and a lower part supported pivotally thereon, wherein upper connecting means for fixation onto a limb are disposed on the upper part, and a locking device, which prevents a bending motion of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein the locking device is configured such that it can be actively actuated by the user of the orthopedic device, wherein a control device is associated with the locking device, the control device being attached to the device with at least one sensor and automatically unlocking or locking the locking device as a function of the sensor signal.