Powered Prosthetic Hip Joint Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic hip joints for individuals with hip-disarticulation amputations lack effective stance phase control and natural hip movement, leading to instability and gait deviations during walking, and require significant user effort for swing phase dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A powered prosthetic hip joint with a computer-controlled actuator that allows for a wide range of motion between -20° extension and 120° flexion, enabling synchronized operation with a knee joint and ankle joint, and includes a compliant mechanical structure for improved user comfort and natural gait simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If passive mechanical linkage hip-joint is used, then basic support in stance phase is provided, but swing phase hip motion is limited affecting user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static passive mechanical linkage to a dynamic powered hip joint with an actuator that can actively control hip motion throughout the gait cycle. The actuator provides powered assistance during swing phase to enable natural hip flexion and extension, while maintaining stable support during stance phase through controlled positioning.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic augmented mechanical linkage is used, then stance and swing motion control is provided, but stable hip positioning during standing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect user motion and gait phase, feeding this information to a controller that adjusts actuator output in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables the powered hip joint to maintain stable positioning during standing by continuously monitoring and correcting hip angle deviations, while providing appropriate motion control during walking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic damper with spring or elastic is used in swing phase, then hip flexion dynamics are generated, but significant user effort in pelvic rotation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The powered hip joint with actuator and control system serves the user by automatically generating the necessary hip flexion dynamics during swing phase without requiring significant user effort. The system self-regulates based on detected gait phase and user motion, providing the appropriate torques to facilitate natural hip movement and reduce the energy expenditure required from the user.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 2
AI summary
A powered prosthetic thigh can have a proximal portion configured to couple to a prosthetic hip socket and can have a distal portion attached to the proximal portion. The distal portion can have a distal connector configured to couple to a prosthetic knee. The powered prosthetic thigh can also have a computer controlled actuator configured to rotate the prosthetic thigh relative to the prosthetic hip socket.