Double-Acting Orthotic Joint With Adjustable Bidirectional Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic devices face challenges with high torque requirements for treating neurological pathologies, leading to larger, heavier, and bulkier designs that are cosmetically unappealing and require frequent part swaps for customization, increasing costs and treatment delays.
Innovation Solution
A compact orthotic joint with adjustable resistance in both directions, utilizing a resistive element and levers with selectable pivots and adjustable mechanical advantage, allowing for high torque without part swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive joint is used in an orthosis, then the device structure is simpler, but the orthosis cannot actively assist movement or provide controlled resistance during both flexion and extension
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into distinct flexion and extension components, each with its own actuator and control mechanism. The flexion actuator and extension actuator are separate entities that can be independently controlled, allowing the joint to provide assisted motion in both directions while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can assist flexion, assist extension, provide resistance, and lock in position. By integrating both flexion and extension capabilities into a single joint assembly with dual actuators, the device achieves multi-functionality that allows it to adapt to various movement requirements throughout the range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If a double acting joint with actuators for both flexion and extension is used, then the orthosis can actively control both directions of movement, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexion actuator and extension actuator are merged into a single integrated joint assembly rather than being separate mechanisms. This consolidation allows both actuators to work together within a unified structure, reducing the overall number of discrete components and simplifying the mechanical architecture while maintaining full control over both flexion and extension movements.
Solution Approach 2:
A single controller serves as an intermediary that manages both the flexion actuator and extension actuator. This centralized control system coordinates the operation of both actuators, providing ease of operation through unified control while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single acting joint is used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the orthosis cannot provide assisted motion in both flexion and extension directions
Solution Approach 1:
The joint transitions from a static, single-acting design to a dynamic, double-acting system where both actuators can be actively controlled based on real-time movement requirements. This dynamic capability allows the joint to adapt its assistance or resistance characteristics during both flexion and extension phases of motion, significantly enhancing versatility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular component design.
Data Source
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AI summary
An orthotic joint device has an attachment member rotatably attached to the joint device for rotation in a first direction, a resistive element such as a spring, and a first lever for transmitting a first direction resistance force from the resistive element to the attachment member. The resistive element may also resist rotation in the second direction opposed to the first via a second lever. The orthotic joint device may be used in an orthosis and in a method of supporting an ankle of a human.