Prosthetic Limb Fitting Apparatus for Predicting Able Joint Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of fitting prosthetic limbs or braces often relies on subjective judgment rather than empirical data, leading to inefficiencies and potential long-term damage due to irregular gait cycles, especially in amputees who compensate for their disability, causing stress on other body areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a test fixture with hip, knee, and foot modules mimicking human joint movements, controlled by an electronic controller, and equipped with force sensors to replicate desired gait cycles, allowing for objective data-driven fitting and adjustment of prostheses to ensure proper alignment and minimize stress on other joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prosthetic fitting relies on technician judgment, then fitting can be performed with simple equipment, but fitting precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's limb using 3D scanning and modeling techniques. This digital replica allows for precise measurement and simulation of gait cycles without requiring complex physical testing equipment, thereby improving fitting precision while keeping the overall system manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fitting methods with computer-based simulation and analysis. By using software to model gait cycles and analyze joint forces instead of relying on manual assessment, the system achieves higher measurement precision while the digital tools remain accessible to technicians
2Reliability
If prosthetic fitting uses subjective judgment, then the process is quick and simple, but the reliability of gait cycle correction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and virtual modeling of the patient's limb before the actual fitting process. This advance preparation creates an accurate digital representation that speeds up subsequent analysis and ensures reliable gait cycle correction from the outset, reducing the need for iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the simulated gait cycle results are analyzed and used to refine the prosthetic design. The system provides quantitative feedback on joint forces and movement patterns, allowing technicians to make data-driven adjustments that improve reliability without significantly extending fitting time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If amputees compensate for disability by altering stride, then they can maintain mobility, but stress and damage occur to other body areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simulated gait cycle analysis to predict and prevent harmful forces on able joints before the patient actually uses the prosthesis. By identifying potential stress points in the virtual model, technicians can adjust the prosthetic design in advance to counteract compensatory movements that would otherwise cause damage to healthy joints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent analyzes and adjusts multiple parameters of the prosthetic design including alignment, component selection, and mechanical properties. By optimizing these parameters based on simulated gait analysis, the system reduces abnormal stresses on able joints while preserving the patient's mobility and natural movement patterns
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
This approach enables precise, data-driven fitting of prostheses, reducing the reliance on subjective judgment and minimizing long-term damage by simulating healthy gait cycles, thereby improving the fit and reducing stress on other body areas.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of force sensors are configured to measure forces exerted at one or more of the hip and knee modules when the test fixture completes a stride
Implementation Method 2
The hip module comprising one or more hip motors connected to the electronic controller and configured to move the hip joint in a manner directed by the electronic controller. The knee module comprising one or more knee motors connected to the electronic controller and configured to move the knee joint
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic limb test fixture is configured to mimic a human stride. An electronic management system can control the test fixture to follow the position and pattern of a particular selected gait cycle during testing. A proposed prosthesis can be attached to the test fixture. Sensor data collected during testing can be evaluated to determine whether the proposed prosthesis is likely to appropriately fit an amputee patient. Iterative adjustments may be made to the prosthesis based on test data in order to maximize the likelihood of a good fit.