Orthotic Device with Pivot Mechanism for Elbow Flexion Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional orthotic devices fail to effectively assist in regaining range of motion for joints damaged by injury or surgery, as they often rely on rigid members or hinged joints that are uncomfortable and require prolonged wear, limiting their effectiveness in promoting flexion and extension.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an arm engagement system with upper and forearm members that pivot about an axis, coupled with a force application mechanism using elongate members and a rotary mechanism to apply continuous or incremental force, facilitating extension or flexion assistance at the elbow joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional orthotic devices use rigid members or hinged joints to support joints, then joint protection is improved, but comfort and range of motion effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint protectionVSAvoidcomfort and range of motion effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device transitions from static rigid members to dynamic components that can pivot and rotate, allowing the device to adapt to joint movement while maintaining support. The pivot mechanism enables the orthotic to move with the joint rather than restricting it, improving both comfort and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical parameters from fixed rigid connections to movable pivot connections, altering the degree of freedom and flexibility. This parameter change allows the orthotic to provide support while accommodating natural joint motion, resolving the contradiction between protection and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional orthotic devices use hinged joints with springs to apply force, then range of motion assistance is improved, but wear time and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motion assistanceVSAvoidwear time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The orthotic device uses periodic rotation of the pivot mechanism to apply force intermittently rather than continuously. This periodic action provides assistance when needed while allowing natural movement otherwise, reducing the burden of prolonged wear and improving comfort during extended use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism enables continuous range of motion assistance through its rotational capability, allowing the orthotic to provide sustained support without requiring the user to wear it for excessively long periods. The continuous useful action is achieved through the mechanical advantage of the pivot system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Force

If conventional orthotic devices use cuffs on limb segments to apply force, then force application is improved, but comfort and effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce applicationVSAvoidcomfort and effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the force application function from traditional cuffs and relocates it to the pivot mechanism. By removing the cuff-based force application system and replacing it with a pivot-based system, the orthotic achieves force application without the discomfort and ineffectiveness associated with cuffs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism serves as an intermediary between the orthotic structure and the joint, mediating force application in a way that is both effective and comfortable. Rather than applying force directly through cuffs on the limb, the pivot acts as a mechanical mediator that translates movement into useful force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides comfortable and effective assistance in regaining range of motion by applying controlled forces to pivot the arm members, enhancing the user's ability to flex or extend their elbow, thereby improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a force application mechanism operatively coupled to the first elongate member... and the force application mechanism is configured to apply a force to the force applicator, thereby providing the extension or flexion assistance to the arm about the elbow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11826274B1Devices and methods for assisting extension and/or flexion

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 ERMI

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods for providing extension and flexion assistance about a joint of a user. In some cases, a device may manipulate an arm of a user, thereby providing extension or flexion assistance to the arm about an elbow. In other cases, a device may manipulate a hand of a user to provide palmar flexion or dorsiflexion assistance about a wrist of the user.