Load-Adaptive Orthotic Strut for Patient-Specific Energy Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthotic and prosthetic devices lack adaptability to individual patient biomechanics, leading to inefficient load transfer, energy return, and increased fatigue due to rigid components and static connection geometries.
Innovation Solution
A load-adaptive strut designed using computational methods with adjustable connection points and materials like carbon fibers and advanced polymers, tailored through finite element analysis for patient-specific parameters, allowing real-time adjustments for improved mechanical compatibility and energy return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid components and static connection geometries are used in orthotic devices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to patient-specific biomechanics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable connection points that allow dynamic modification of compound angles, offsets, and depths to adapt to varying patient biomechanics and gait phases. This enables the device to transition from static to dynamic configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by providing adjustability where needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs computational design with finite element analysis to optimize structural parameters based on patient-specific data. By varying geometric parameters (compound angles, offsets, depths) and material properties, the device achieves custom adaptability without requiring complete redesign, thus managing complexity while improving fit and function
2Ease of manufacture
If predetermined load transfer is used during manufacture, then manufacturing process is simplified, but mechanical compatibility with variable patient biomechanics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs computational design and finite element analysis during the manufacturing planning stage to predetermined optimize load transfer paths based on patient-specific parameters. This preliminary optimization ensures mechanical compatibility is built into the design before manufacture, allowing standard manufacturing processes to produce a customized, reliable device without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments
3Loss of energy
If conventional energy storage and release mechanisms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy return efficiency deteriorates due to inability to mimic natural limb function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements functionally graded structures with varying material properties and geometric characteristics at different locations within the device. This allows different regions to perform specialized functions (energy storage, damping, structural support) with optimized local properties, improving overall energy return efficiency while maintaining a unified device structure rather than adding separate complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a load-adaptive strut for an orthotic or prosthetic device, a device for supporting or replacing a patient's limb, and a method of designing such devices. The strut comprises a structural element configured by computational design using finite element analysis to adjust load transfer and energy return profiles based on simulation data derived from patient-specific parameters, and adjustable connection points allowing variations in compound angles, offsets, and/or depths. Also provided are embodiments in which means for adjusting load transfer and energy return profiles and means for adjusting connection points are disclosed. The method comprises obtaining patient-specific parameters, performing finite element analysis to determine a computationally designed geometry that modulates load transfer and energy return profiles, and configuring adjustable connection points with compound angles, offsets, or depths based on simulation data.