Robotic Joint Testing Apparatus for Residual Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joint testing methods, both manual and instrumented, suffer from inconsistencies due to subjective evaluation and accumulation of errors, leading to inaccurate diagnosis of knee injuries and ligament damage.
Innovation Solution
A robotic joint testing apparatus with a frame, bracket assembly, and sensor system that stabilizes the joint, applies force to manipulate bones relative to each other, and compensates for residual movement to provide accurate displacement data, reducing error and improving consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual joint testing is performed by individual medical personnel, then the test can be conducted with simple equipment, but the diagnosis precision deteriorates due to subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with an automated robotic system that uses sensors to detect joint displacement. The robotic apparatus objectively measures bone movement through controlled manipulation and sensor feedback, eliminating subjective clinician evaluation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-measurement through integrated sensors that automatically detect and record joint displacement during robotic manipulation. The system independently captures displacement data without requiring manual measurement by the clinician, enabling objective self-assessment of joint pathology.
2Extent of automation
If instrumented joint testing is used to reduce manual nature, then measurement objectivity improves, but test consistency deteriorates due to accumulation of error
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on joint displacement during manipulation. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and compensate for residual movements, ensuring consistent measurement results by continuously monitoring and adjusting the testing protocol to maintain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary stabilization of the joint through controlled robotic manipulation before measurement. The robotic apparatus pre-positions and stabilizes the joint structure to minimize residual movements, ensuring that subsequent measurements are consistent and reliable by eliminating error accumulation from improper positioning.
3Measurement precision
If joint stabilization is applied during testing, then measurement accuracy improves, but residual movement error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual stabilization with robotic mechanical stabilization that uses controlled forces to hold the joint in a precise position. The robotic system substitutes human manual stabilization with automated mechanical control, reducing residual movement errors while maintaining the benefits of joint stabilization for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic apparatus dynamically adjusts stabilization forces during the testing process to maintain optimal joint positioning. The system continuously monitors joint position and adjusts stabilization parameters in real-time, adapting to changes in joint mechanics to minimize residual movement errors while preserving measurement accuracy throughout the testing protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manipulation and evaluation of a joint includes a frame to support the joint and to facilitate an application of force away from the joint for the evaluation of the joint, a bracket assembly supported by, and moveable relative to, the frame, the bracket assembly being configured to engage the joint, and a sensor coupled to the bracket assembly such that the sensor is moved by displacement of the bracket assembly relative to the frame during the evaluation of the joint, the sensor being configured to generate a signal indicative of the displacement.