Orthotic Joint Alignment Device with Adjustable Resistance and Acoustic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthotic joint devices lack adjustable features such as independently adjustable resistances to plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, equilibrium ankle alignment angle, and maximum limits on movements, which are essential for accommodating individual physiological needs and therapeutic requirements, while also generating unwanted acoustic noise and being costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The development of orthotic joint alignment devices with locking mechanisms and linkages that allow for adjustable resistance and alignment, including a cam bushing system with a selectively engageable locking mechanism and an eccentric cam pin and slot linkage, enabling independent adjustment of resistive torque mechanisms and reducing acoustic noise through the use of an acoustic damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If orthotic joint devices are customized for different fixed or neutral angles to accommodate individual physiological needs and therapeutic requirements, then the therapeutic effectiveness and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a joint device body, a resistive component, and an adapter assembly. This segmentation allows the same base device to be configured for different angles and resistance requirements by simply changing the adapter or resistive component, rather than manufacturing entirely different customized devices for each patient's needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including the adapter assembly that can be positioned at different orientations, and the resistive component that can be adjusted to provide variable resistance. This dynamic configurability allows the device to adapt to different therapeutic requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If orthotic joint devices are customized for different fixed or neutral angles to accommodate individual physiological needs and therapeutic requirements, then the therapeutic effectiveness and adaptability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device body serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple adapters and resistive components. This multi-functionality allows a single base device to be used for different patients and different therapeutic conditions by simply swapping or reconfiguring the adapter assembly, significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to creating entirely customized devices for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of key parameters such as the neutral angle, resistance magnitude, and range of motion limits through mechanical configuration rather than manufacturing different devices. The adapter can be positioned at different orientations to change the neutral angle, and the resistive component can be adjusted to modify resistance parameters, enabling cost-effective customization.
3Ease of operation
If cam follower makes and breaks contact with contoured surface to control active range of motion, then the control of resistive component is improved, but acoustic noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful acoustic noise from cam follower contact into a beneficial feature by using the contact to activate an acoustic damper. The damper is positioned to absorb and dissipate the impact energy and noise generated when the cam follower makes or breaks contact, transforming the harmful noise into a controlled energy dissipation mechanism that actually helps control the range of motion and reduce unwanted vibrations.
4Reliability
If dorsiflexion resistance is increased to stabilize the wearer's ankle and knee against hyperflexion, then the stability and support are improved, but the ability to permit natural movement in walking gait is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive component is designed to provide dynamic, variable resistance rather than fixed stiff resistance. The resistance magnitude can be adjusted to provide sufficient support against hyperflexion during critical phases of gait, while allowing smoother, more natural movement during other phases of the walking cycle. The cam mechanism also dynamically adjusts the resistance based on the position and speed of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of the resistance parameter to optimize the balance between stability and natural movement. By changing the resistance magnitude and the engagement characteristics of the cam mechanism, the device can provide firm support when needed to prevent hyperflexion, while permitting more compliant, natural movement during normal walking gait phases.
Data Source
AI summary
Various orthotic joint devices, components, and methods are provided. These include orthotic joint alignment devices for adjusting a neutral or fixed angle of an orthotic joint device independently of other parameters, orthotic joint devices providing staged resistance through staged recruitment of separate springs or initiation of staged spring-rate behavior of a single spring retained in a joint body, adapters for converting non-staged resistance orthotic joint devices into orthotic joint devices, and low-noise orthotic joint devices with intermittent normal force-transmitting contact associated with resistive or assistive forces provided by the devices, and methods of using the devices and components.