Prosthetic Knee Joint Dynamic Resistance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic and prosthetic knee joints lack dynamic adjustment of flexion and extension resistance to mimic natural gait patterns, leading to inadequate support and stability during various phases of movement.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses sensor data to calculate auxiliary variables, such as moments and forces, to adjust flexion and extension resistance dynamically, allowing for real-time adaptation of resistance levels based on the user's movement phase and environmental conditions, including temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and mathematical operations are used to calculate auxiliary variables for dynamic resistance adjustment, then the adaptability and naturalness of gait pattern is improved, but the device complexity and computing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it processes data from multiple sensors (bending angle, acceleration, inclination, force), calculates multiple auxiliary variables through mathematical operations, and dynamically adjusts both flexion and extension resistance. This multi-functional approach allows a single integrated system to handle complex gait analysis and resistance control, improving adaptability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
2Reliability
If dynamic adjustment of flexion and extension resistance is implemented based on sensor data, then the support and stability during movement phases is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors gait phase and joint status through multiple sensors, processes this information to calculate auxiliary variables, and dynamically adjusts resistance levels based on the calculated values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures stable and reliable support during different movement phases by constantly adapting resistance to the user's actual gait characteristics, while managing control complexity through systematic feedback processing.
3Measurement precision
If auxiliary variables are calculated from sensor data using mathematical operations, then the precision of resistance control is improved, but the computing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms raw sensor data into meaningful auxiliary variables through mathematical operations, changing the parameter representation from direct sensor readings to calculated gait characteristics. This parameter transformation enables precise resistance control by deriving auxiliary variables that directly reflect the user's gait phase and joint status, allowing accurate resistance adjustment while managing computing effort through efficient mathematical transformations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic joint (4) of a lower extremity with a resistance device to which at least one actuator is assigned, via which the flexion and/or extension resistance (R) is changed depending on sensor data, wherein status information is provided via sensors during use of the joint (4), wherein the sensor data are determined by at least one device for detecting at least two moments, or two forces and one moment, and the sensor data of at least two of the determined quantities are linked together by a mathematical operation and thereby an auxiliary variable (a, b, c, d) is calculated which forms the basis for controlling the flexion and/or extension resistance (R), wherein the auxiliary variable (c) is a transverse force (Ft) exerted on a lower connecting part (2) from the quotient of the difference of two moments (M1,M2) and the distance (13) between the two devices is determined to determine the moments to each other.