Prosthetic Knee Linkage Actuation for Natural Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic knees have limited range of motion, making it difficult for users to perform everyday activities like walking up and down stairs or engaging in sports, and fail to replicate natural human knee movements.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic knee unit with a linkage assembly, motor modules, and a controller that includes sensors, allowing for biomimicry of human knee movements through articulation and actuation, enabling flexible and natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prosthetic knees are used, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the knee joint adjustable through motor modules that can change the mechanical properties of the joint in real-time. The knee can dynamically adapt its range of motion, stiffness, and response characteristics based on the user's activity level and terrain, transitioning from a static structure to a dynamically adjustable one that optimizes performance across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the knee joint into multiple independent motor modules (actuator and damper modules) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific functions - the actuator for generating extension force and the damper for controlling flexion - while collectively providing a comprehensive range of motion that overcomes the limitations of traditional single-mechanism knees.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prosthetic knees are used, then the device is simple, but it cannot replicate natural human knee movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the user's movement characteristics, terrain conditions, and knee joint state. This feedback is processed by a controller that adjusts the motor modules in real-time to replicate natural knee movement patterns. The feedback mechanism enables the prosthetic knee to adapt its behavior based on actual usage conditions, achieving biomimicry without requiring overly complex predetermined programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the knee joint to automatically adjust its own characteristics based on sensor input. The system monitors its own operation and terrain conditions, then self-regulates the motor modules to provide appropriate resistance, flexibility, and movement characteristics. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for external control and simplifies the user interaction while achieving natural movement replication.
3Ease of operation
If traditional prosthetic knees are used, then the structure is simple, but constant adjustment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the knee joint to automatically adjust its own parameters based on sensor feedback. The system monitors terrain, movement speed, and joint position, then autonomously modifies the motor module characteristics to optimize performance. This eliminates the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining simplicity of operation, as the system handles its own configuration based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the system pre-configured with various operational modes and adjustment ranges. The motor modules are designed with predetermined characteristic curves and adjustment capabilities that are activated based on sensor input. This preliminary preparation allows the system to respond appropriately to different situations without requiring complex real-time calculations or user intervention, balancing ease of operation with appropriate complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic knee unit useful with a prosthetic leg. The prosthetic knee unit includes a linkage assembly, at least one motor module, and a controller. The linkage assembly includes a base, a driven shaft at least one link, and an output body. The motor module is operably connected to the driven shaft. The controller is programmed to prompt operation of the at least one motor module. Operation of the at least one motor module, as prompted by the controller, articulates the output body relative to the base via pivoting movement of the at least one link. In some embodiments, the prosthetic knee unit further includes at least one sensor, such as an IMU worn by the user. With these and related embodiments, the controller is programmed to receive sensed information from the sensor and to control operation of the at least one motor module based upon the sensed information.