Orthosis Joint with Bending Spring for Smooth Bidirectional Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic joints experience abrupt changes in restoring forces during transitions between deflection directions, leading to jerky movements and noise, while also being bulky and cosmetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic joint utilizing a single longitudinally oriented bending spring, such as a leaf spring, with a stacked arrangement and triangular control points, generates smooth restoring forces through adjustable transmission elements that vary the force application based on deflection direction, allowing for a compact and natural-looking movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional elements are used to generate restoring forces in opposite directions, then the restoring force coverage is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single functional element is divided into multiple active zones along its length, each zone capable of engaging with different transmission elements to provide restoring forces for deflections in opposite directions. This segmentation allows one element to perform the work of multiple elements while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single functional element is designed with multiple engagement points and active zones that allow it to perform multiple functions: generating restoring forces for deflections in both directions, providing adjustable force characteristics, and enabling different force application patterns through various transmission element configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional elements are used to generate restoring forces, then the restoring force coverage is improved, but the orthotic joint becomes bulkier and less cosmetically appealing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements that would traditionally be separate components are merged into a single integrated functional element with multiple active zones. This consolidation reduces the overall volume and complexity of the orthotic joint while maintaining the capability to provide restoring forces for deflections in opposite directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission elements are arranged to engage with different zones of the functional element in a nested manner, allowing multiple functional capabilities to be packed into a compact space. The stacked arrangement of transmission elements enables them to engage sequentially or simultaneously with different active zones of the functional element.
3Device complexity
If abrupt transitions between functional elements are used during direction changes, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the movement becomes jerky and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The functional element is designed with active zones that provide gradual engagement and disengagement of transmission elements during direction changes. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures smooth transitions by progressively transferring the load between different active zones, preventing abrupt force changes that would cause jerky movement and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple active zones along the functional element ensure continuous force generation during direction changes. As the orthotic joint transitions from deflecting in one direction to the other, different active zones engage and disengage in a continuous manner, maintaining the restoring force without interruption or abrupt changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pre-tensioning is used to adjust spring force, then the functional angle adjustment is possible, but spring travel is lost and minimum force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustment of the functional angle through the position of transmission elements that can be moved along the functional element. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the functional angle to be changed without permanently pre-tensioning the spring, preserving spring travel and minimizing the minimum force required.
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
The solution provides a compact, lightweight orthotic joint with smooth and continuous force transitions mimicking natural joint movements, offering extensive adjustment options and improved cosmetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
with only one functional element in the form of at least one bending spring (16), essentially longitudinally oriented... which generates smooth restoring forces
Implementation Method 2
the functional element (29) has a stacked arrangement of leaf springs (17)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthosis joint (5), in particular for forming a functional angle (14) for a deflection on both sides, comprising: a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2) that are mounted on a shaft (7) such that they can be pivoted relative to each other; and at least one functional element (29) that functions as a retractive element between the two joint arms (1, 2) and comprises at least one spring (16, 17) subjected to bending which produces a retractive force (27) on both sides when the joint arms (1, 2) are deflected.