Prosthetic Foot Damping Control via Rolling Behavior Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthesis feet struggle to automatically adjust damping in response to different shoes and terrain, requiring users to manually set or replace damping components.
Innovation Solution
A control procedure for prosthesis feet that uses sensors to capture rolling behavior data, compares it with stored setpoints, and adjusts damping accordingly, allowing for automatic adaptation to different shoes and motion states without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of damping components is used, then the wearer can adjust cushioning according to their own feeling, but the set cushioning cannot be reproduced for different shoes and requires repeated manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot system automatically adjusts its own damping characteristics by sensing the shoe type and terrain conditions, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment. The control unit processes sensor data about the shoe-terrain combination and automatically modifies joint damping to optimize performance for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors parameters such as joint angles, forces, and sensor data about shoe-terrain interactions, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust damping characteristics. This closed-loop control ensures the prosthetic foot adapts to different shoes and terrain conditions without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If replacement of damping components is used, then the wearer can adapt to different shoes, but the system becomes complex and requires the user to carry necessary damping elements
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system transitions from static, fixed damping elements to a dynamic, adjustable damping system. The joint damping characteristics can be continuously modified in real-time based on detected shoe-terrain conditions, allowing one damping system to handle multiple shoe types without physical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A single damping system with adjustable characteristics serves multiple functions by adapting to different shoe types and terrain conditions. The control unit processes sensor data and automatically adjusts damping parameters, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated damping components for different shoe types.
3Extent of automation
If automatic sensing of movement state is used, then the cushioning can be automatically adjusted, but the system cannot adapt to different shoes
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor data about the shoe-terrain combination serves as an intermediary input that triggers appropriate damping adjustments. The control unit processes this intermediary information (shoe type and terrain detection) to determine the optimal damping characteristics, bridging the gap between sensing and adaptive response.
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 procedure enables the prosthesis foot to adapt its damping in real-time, ensuring consistent movement and energy efficiency across various footwear and terrain conditions, without the need for manual adjustments or component replacements.
Implementation Method 1
Recording measured values which allow statements about the rolling behaviour of the prosthesis foot by means of at least one sensor
Implementation Method 2
The joint is a damped joint. Consequently, a force or torque must be exerted to overcome the damping of the joint and achieve pivoting of the foot section relative to the lower leg section
Implementation Method 3
With hydraulic damping, for example, when the foot section pivots relative to the lower leg section, hydraulic fluid is forced from a first cylinder into a second cylinder. This occurs via a fluid connection that contains, for example, a throttle valve.
Implementation Method 4
DE 603 09 685 T2, which discloses the preamble of claim 1, and US 2002/0138153 A1 describe damped joints of orthopedic devices that feature a magnetorheological damping system.
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a prosthetic foot that has a foot part and a lower-leg part that are interconnected by means of a joint allowing a plantar flexion and a dorsal flexion, the joint's damping behavior being adjustable. The method comprises the following steps: - a) acquiring (4), by means of at least one sensor, measurement values which allow information on a roll-over behavior of the prosthetic foot to be derived, - b) comparing (6) the acquired measurement values and/or at least one parameter determined on their basis to stored target values, and - c) adapting (8) the damping behavior subject to the comparison.