Prosthetic Training Device for Immersive VR Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic training systems for upper limb amputees are non-immersive, expensive, and of limited functionality, leading to low confidence and high abandonment rates of myoelectric prosthetic devices.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic training device designed for use with immersive virtual reality (IVR) systems, featuring a connector for VR controller alignment, adjustable weight to mimic real prosthetics, and secure attachment to the residual limb, ensuring correct positioning and alignment of VR controllers and weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-immersive training systems are used, then training can be provided, but the training effectiveness and user engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the prosthetic arm in the immersive environment that replicates the physical prosthetic's movements and sensations. The virtual representation mirrors the actual device's behavior, allowing users to practice in a realistic yet controlled setting, thereby improving training effectiveness while maintaining engagement through immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a virtual reality environment as an intermediary between the user and the physical prosthetic. This intermediary layer provides immersive engagement while maintaining connection to real-world prosthetic operation, resolving the contradiction between immersion and practical training value.
2Reliability
If intensive one-to-one training programs are provided, then users develop necessary skills, but the cost and time commitment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform preliminary training actions in the virtual environment before transitioning to physical prosthetic use. Users can rehearse movements, practice control, and build confidence in a risk-free setting, reducing the need for extensive one-to-one clinical training sessions and thereby reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The immersive system provides immediate visual and haptic feedback during virtual training sessions, allowing users to self-correct and learn at their own pace. This continuous feedback loop accelerates skill acquisition, reducing the duration of intensive one-to-one training required while maintaining skill development quality.
3Measurement precision
If VR controllers are positioned incorrectly on the residual limb, then the system cannot detect signals properly, but finding the correct position requires trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error positioning with an automated optical detection system. Cameras and sensors automatically detect the VR controller's position on the residual limb and provide guidance feedback, eliminating the need for manual adjustment trial and error while ensuring precise signal detection alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning of the VR controller through automated detection and feedback mechanisms. The device itself guides the user to the correct position rather than requiring external assistance or repeated trial and error, improving both ease of operation and measurement precision simultaneously.
4Reliability
If the training device does not mimic the weight of real prosthetics, then training is less effective, but adding weight makes the device more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the prosthetic arm that replicates its weight characteristics through software simulation. The virtual representation accurately mirrors the physical prosthetic's mass and movement dynamics, providing realistic training feedback without requiring the physical training device to be heavily weighted, thereby avoiding increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to prosthetic training devices for attachment to the residual limb of transradial or transhumeral amputee.