Articulated Orthosis Joint With Adjustable Compression Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic braces, such as AFOs, lack adjustability in joint characteristics, particularly in the angle of plantarflexion preloading and moment resistance, which are crucial for individual patient needs, affecting shock absorption and knee stability during ambulation.
Innovation Solution
An articulated orthosis design incorporating a tension element with adjustable dimensions and an elastic compression element, allowing field-adjustable preloading and resistance to moment forces, featuring a 'foot funnel' for easy donning and a chamber with retaining walls for customizable joint characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an articulated AFO design is used to provide adjustable support, then shock absorption and knee stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into separate functional elements: a tension element (tensor) and a compression element, each performing specific functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while achieving the overall goal of adjustable shock absorption and knee stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the tension and compression elements to be modified in the field. This dynamic adjustability enables customization of plantarflexion preloading angle and moment resistance to match individual patient needs, improving reliability without requiring a completely complex fixed design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field-adjustable preloading and moment resistance are implemented, then adaptability to individual patient needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint allows field adjustment of the tension element and compression element to modify plantarflexion preloading angle and moment resistance. This dynamic adjustability provides adaptability to individual patient needs while keeping the adjustment mechanisms relatively simple through straightforward mechanical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables modification of key parameters (tension element dimensions, compression element dimensions) to achieve different joint characteristics. By changing these physical parameters, the joint can be customized for different patients without requiring complex electronic or mechanical adjustment systems.
3Ease of operation
If a flat tension element is used to create a foot funnel, then ease of donning is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tension element is designed as a flat, thin structure that creates a foot funnel effect. This flexible yet planar design allows the foot to slide into the orthosis easily while the flat surface can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes without requiring extreme precision.
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
Provides customizable support and resistance to plantarflexion, enhancing shock absorption and knee stability while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs, with the ability to be applied to both custom and pre-fabricated braces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic compression element that is being compressed by at least a pair of compression surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a tension element having a first anchor point coupled to the first hinged part and a second anchor point coupled to the second hinged parts
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.