Prosthetic Activity Assessment Using Pedometer and Moment Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the activity level of lower limb amputees are subjective, leading to potential over- or under-design of prostheses, which can result in imbalance, reduced quality of life, and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pedometer with sensors to record steps and time, connected to a computer and server for processing data, providing objective assessments of cadence variability, potential to ambulate, and ambulation requirements, along with a moment sensor for stability analysis, to determine the appropriate prosthesis components based on activity level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective evaluation is used to assess activity level, then clinical experience can be applied, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to over- or under-prescription
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical evaluation with objective electronic measurement systems including pedometers, accelerometers, and data processing algorithms to accurately assess activity levels, eliminating the imprecision of manual assessment while maintaining ease of use through automated data collection and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data processing system that acts as a mediator between the patient's physical activity and the clinician's assessment, using sensors and algorithms to translate raw movement data into meaningful activity level classifications that guide prosthesis prescription
2Strength
If prosthesis is overdesigned for high activity level, then it can withstand rigorous use, but stability deteriorates for weaker users who cannot control it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses objective activity level measurements to dynamically adjust prosthesis design parameters, selecting appropriate strength and weight characteristics based on the patient's actual functional capacity rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, thereby optimizing both strength and stability for each individual case
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different prosthesis design qualities to different patient populations based on their measured activity levels, ensuring that each patient receives a prosthesis with appropriate strength and control characteristics tailored to their specific needs rather than universal design
3Ease of operation
If prosthesis is underdesigned for low activity level, then it is easier to control, but productivity deteriorates due to curtailed lifestyle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts prosthesis design parameters based on objectively measured activity levels, ensuring that patients receive devices with appropriate performance characteristics that enable full rehabilitation potential without being overly restrictive, thereby optimizing both controllability and productivity
4Strength
If advanced materials are used in prosthesis, then strength and energy storage improve, but weight increases which may not be needed for low activity users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses activity level assessment to optimize prosthesis weight and material selection parameters, prescribing lighter materials for low activity users and advanced strong materials only when objectively needed for high activity levels, thereby eliminating unnecessary weight while maintaining required strength
Data Source
AI summary
A pedometer that records the number of steps over a defined period of time and a moment sensor that records the moments experienced by a prosthesis are used in a networked computer environment to assess the functional activity level and instability of a user. The networked environment may include a user computer and a server computer in communication through the Internet. Both the user computer and the server computer include a functional assessment tool and a stability assessment tool. The tools on the user computer and server computer cooperate in assessing the activity level and the instability of a user. The server computer may further host a Website and a secure online database that provides support to the user including the managing of users and their medical records.