3D Orthosis Shell Adaptation From Anatomical Foot Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computerized systems for designing orthoses struggle to fully replace the expertise of professionals, are time-consuming, and require repetitive processes for each patient, while manual adjustments can be difficult to implement without compromising smoothness and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a 3D computerized foot model to automatically adapt a base shell model based on user-selected anatomical points, allowing for minimal user input to generate a personalized orthosis design, which can be enhanced for specific patient needs and stored for future adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional manual orthosis design methods are used by experts, then the orthosis can be customized to patient needs, but the process is time-consuming and requires repetitive work for each patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's foot model and uses this digital replica for all design work. The base shell model is digitally adapted to match the digital foot model, eliminating the need for physical measurements and repeated manual processes for each patient while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and design processes with an automated computerized system. The system automatically adapts the base shell model to the digital foot model using computational algorithms, substituting the expert's manual mechanical work with automated digital processing that is both efficient and customizable.
2Productivity
If computerized systems are used to design orthoses, then productivity increases, but the systems struggle to fully replace professional expertise and require repetitive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the base shell model to automatically adapt itself to the digital foot model without requiring continuous expert intervention. The automated process selects key anatomical points, adjusts the shell geometry, and generates the customized design independently, maximizing automation while preserving the ability to incorporate expert knowledge when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves expert-level customization by automatically adjusting multiple geometric parameters of the base shell model to match the digital foot model. It modifies shell thickness, curvature, and anatomical point positions based on the digital model's characteristics, replicating expert decision-making through parameter optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made to orthosis designs, then customization is possible, but smoothness and comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment processes with automated digital modeling. The computer system continuously calculates and adjusts the shell geometry to ensure mathematical smoothness while maintaining anatomical accuracy. This digital approach eliminates the surface irregularities that can occur with manual adjustments while preserving full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains surface smoothness by using continuous mathematical functions to define the shell geometry and by automatically adjusting geometric parameters during the adaptation process. The digital model ensures that all transitions are smooth and free of sharp edges, while still achieving precise anatomical customization through parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer program product, the method comprising: obtaining a 3D computerized foot model of a foot of a patient; displaying the 3D computerized foot model over a display device; receiving from a user locations of a first set of model points on the 3D computerized foot model, each model point of the first set associated with predetermined anatomical features; automatically adapting a base shell 3D model upon the first set of model points to obtain an adapted shell model; automatically calculating an additional set of model points based on the first set of model points, the first set and the additional set of model points representing a shape of a foot arch of the patient; and automatically enhancing the adapted shell model upon the first set of model points and the additional set of model me points to obtain an orthosis deign for the foot.