Powered Orthotic Device with Modular Brace Sub-assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neuromuscular traumas, such as stroke or brain injuries, often experience severe weakness in limbs, making it difficult to perform rehabilitation exercises due to impaired motor control and strength, which existing technologies fail to adequately assist in achieving natural motion and force patterns.
Innovation Solution
A powered orthotic device with a brace system comprising two sub-assemblies, each with a powered actuator assembly, that uses electromyographic sensors and inertial measurement units to apply forces and torques, mimicking natural motion and force patterns across multiple joints, enhancing user functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered orthotic device with multiple actuator assemblies is used to assist limb movement, then the ability to perform rehabilitation exercises and achieve natural motion patterns is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device is divided into multiple independent brace sub-assemblies, each responsible for a specific joint (elbow, wrist, hand). Each sub-assembly contains its own actuator, sensor, and control electronics, allowing modular attachment and independent operation. This segmentation enables the complex function of multi-joint assistance while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace sub-assemblies are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be configured for different joints and users. The same basic module (actuator, sensor, housing, attachment elements) serves multiple functions across different joints, reducing overall system complexity through component standardization while maintaining the capability to assist multiple joints simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If electromyographic sensors and inertial measurement units are integrated into the brace system, then the precision of force application and motion control is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromyographic sensor and inertial measurement unit are integrated into the same housing as the actuator assembly, sharing common structural support, power supply, and control electronics. This merging reduces the total weight compared to separate devices and simplifies the signal processing architecture by consolidating sensor data acquisition and actuator control in a single integrated unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brace sub-assemblies are configured for removable attachment to limb segments, then the adaptability to different users and joints is improved, but the reliability of force transmission may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism includes pre-configured alignment features and engagement elements that guide the brace sub-assembly into proper position on the limb segment. The removable attachment system is designed with preliminary alignment guides and self-centering features that ensure consistent, reliable force transmission upon attachment, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures while maintaining adaptability.
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 enables users to achieve more natural gross and fine motor movements by supplementing impaired muscle control, allowing for improved rehabilitation and functional capacity by assisting in both gross and fine motion across various joints.
Implementation Method 1
The first powered actuator assembly is configured to receive a first sensor signal from an electromyographic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
The first powered actuator assembly is also mechanically coupled to the first brace sub-assembly so as to apply a first force for driving the first and second sections of the first brace sub-assembly to move relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A powered orthotic device for use with a limb having at least two joints includes at least two brace sub-assemblies. The first brace sub-assembly includes a first powered actuator assembly that receives a first sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The first powered actuator assembly applies a first force for driving sections positioned with respect to a first joint to move relative to one another. The second brace sub-assembly includes a second powered actuator assembly that is configured to receive a second sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The second powered actuator assembly applies a second force for driving sections positioned with respect to a second joint to move relative to one another. The first force and the second force are based on the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal.