Prosthetic Joint Actuator Control via Muscle Co-contraction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic and prosthetic devices lack a simple and cost-effective method to enhance user safety by dynamically adjusting movement resistance in response to muscle co-contractions, which are crucial for stabilizing joints and controlling movements, especially in unpredictable environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a detection system to identify muscle co-contractions and adjust the movement resistance of actuators in orthotic or prosthetic joints, allowing for increased resistance during co-contractions to improve stability and control, while maintaining a baseline resistance setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movement resistance is increased to improve stability during muscle co-contractions, then user safety and control are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (acceleration sensors, force sensors, EMG sensors) and control functions into an integrated control unit that processes signals from all sensors and coordinates actuator responses. This merging approach enhances reliability by comprehensively detecting muscle co-contractions while managing device complexity through centralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors detect muscle co-contractions and joint states, the control unit processes this information, and actuators adjust movement resistance in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures user safety by dynamically responding to physiological signals while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect muscle co-contractions and adjust movement resistance, then control precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a multi-functional device that processes signals from various sensor types (acceleration, force, EMG) and coordinates multiple actuators. This universal control architecture improves measurement precision by integrating data from multiple sources while reducing manufacturing costs by using a single versatile control unit rather than separate dedicated controllers for each sensor type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are made adjustable to change movement resistance dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators are designed with adjustable movement resistance capabilities that can be dynamically modified based on real-time sensor feedback. This dynamic adjustment mechanism improves adaptability by allowing the device to respond to changing user needs and environmental conditions while managing complexity through automated control algorithms that adjust parameters based on sensor inputs.
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 solution enhances user safety and control by dynamically adjusting movement resistance based on muscle co-contractions, providing increased stability and security during various movements and environmental conditions without significantly increasing implementation costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detection device for detecting muscle co-contractions and a control device, which processes signals from the detection device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic device (10) and a device (10) of this type, which can be placed on the body of a user and secured thereon, comprising: a. a joint device (20) having a proximal component (21) and a distal component (22), which are pivotally mounted on one another about a pivot axis (25); b. at least one adjustable actuator (30) which is arranged between the proximal component (21) and the distal component (22) and via which a movement behaviour relating to a pivoting of the proximal component (21) relative to the distal component (22) can be adjusted; c. at least one detection device (60) for detecting muscle contractions; and d. a control device (50) which is coupled to the detection device (60) and to the actuator (30), processes (electrical) signals from the detection unit (60), and adjusts the actuator (30) according to the signals, wherein the detection device (60) is designed for detecting muscle contractions and is arranged on a limb of the user and coupled to the control device (50), and at least one muscle contraction is detected by the detection device (60), and the movement behaviour is changed by the actuator (30) according to the detected muscle contraction.