Orthopedic Positioning Device with Pivotable Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthopedic devices, such as orthoses and prostheses, face challenges in individualizing the positioning of fastening devices on a base layer, leading to manufacturing tolerances and assembly issues that require additional components or adapters to secure components like joints and actuators effectively.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device with pivotable holders allows for the precise orientation and positioning of fastening elements relative to each other, enabling the use of standardized components and eliminating the need for intermediate pieces or adapters by allowing holders to pivot within a defined angle range, which can be fixed in place using a central piece and fixing devices like magnets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fastening devices are positioned using fixed holders without pivotability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidindividualization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holders are designed to be pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis, allowing dynamic adjustment within a limited angle range. This enables the fastening elements to be oriented at different angles to accommodate individual patient anatomy variations while maintaining precise positioning when fixed in place using fixing devices such as magnets or clamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional intermediate pieces or adapters are used to compensate for positioning tolerances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable holder mechanism provides inherent adaptability by allowing direct angular adjustment of fastening elements to match component requirements, eliminating the need for additional intermediate pieces or adapters. The holders can be fixed at any angle within the permitted range using simple fixing devices, achieving component compatibility without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If holders are made fixed and non-adjustable, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holders incorporate a pivotable connection that allows relative movement about a pivot axis within a limited angle range, enabling customization for different patient anatomies. The mechanism includes simple fixing devices such as magnets or clamps that allow the holders to be secured at any desired angle, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the angle range for pivoting is limited, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidorientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holders are designed to pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis within a limited angle range, allowing angular adjustment to achieve precise alignment with components such as joints and actuators. The limited angle range ensures manufacturing precision by preventing excessive misalignment, while still providing sufficient orientation flexibility to accommodate individual patient anatomy variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11957610B2Positioning device and system formed of a positioning device and base body of an orthopedic device
Publication Date: 2024.04.16 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PROD GMBH
  • US11957610B2 patent drawing
  • US11957610B2 patent drawing
  • US11957610B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A positioning device for arranging and orienting multiple securing elements on a base layer of a base body of an orthopaedic device. The positioning device includes a first holder having at least one receiving device for a securing element, and a second holder having at least one receiving device for a securing element, wherein the first holder and the second holder are mounted on one another such that they can swivel about a swivel axis about a restricted angular range starting from a starting position.