Actuator Assembly for Prosthetic Joint Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic and orthotic devices lack the ability to mimic natural ankle movement, leading to movement instability, high energy expenditure, and gait deviations in users, particularly for leg prostheses and orthoses, due to their passive nature and lack of dynamic environmental interaction.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered prosthetic or orthotic system with a sensor and control system that actively adjusts the angle between the foot unit and the lower limb member using an actuator, mimicking the natural movement of a healthy ankle, allowing for dynamic control and adaptation to various terrains and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional passive prosthetic and orthotic devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but movement stability and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, passive prosthetic devices to dynamic, actively controlled systems. The actuator assembly enables real-time adjustment of the angle between first and second portions of the prosthetic device, allowing it to adapt to varying terrain and movement conditions, thereby improving movement stability while managing complexity through controlled actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that sense user movement and environmental conditions, then adjust the prosthetic device's configuration accordingly. This closed-loop control system monitors gait patterns and terrain variations, automatically adjusting the device to maintain optimal movement stability without requiring constant user intervention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional passive prosthetic devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy expenditure by the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a prosthetic device that autonomously adjusts its configuration without requiring active user effort. The actuator assembly automatically modifies the angle between device portions based on sensed conditions, enabling the device to perform work that would otherwise require significant user energy expenditure, such as adapting to terrain changes or maintaining gait stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical, passive prosthetic systems with an integrated electromechanical system. The actuator assembly introduces controlled mechanical adjustment capability, substituting the need for high user energy expenditure with automated actuation that consumes less overall energy while improving functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic devices without dynamic control are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different terrains and movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the prosthetic device to transition from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable one. The actuator assembly allows real-time modification of the angle between first and second portions, enabling the device to adapt to various terrains (inclines, declines, uneven surfaces) and movement types (walking, running, stair climbing) while maintaining manageable complexity through targeted actuation.
4Ease of operation
If conventional prosthetic devices are used, then basic controller simplicity is maintained, but gait naturalness and movement quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback systems that monitor user gait patterns, limb position, and environmental conditions, then automatically adjust the prosthetic device to produce more natural movement. This closed-loop control enables the device to mimic healthy gait patterns by sensing deviations and making real-time corrections, improving gait naturalness while managing control complexity through intuitive adjustment algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.