Robotic Knee Joint Equilibrium Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing knee joint instability, particularly due to ligament damage, are plagued by subjectivity and inconsistency, leading to inaccurate assessments and potential misdiagnosis, as they rely heavily on manual tests that struggle to objectively quantify joint play and ligament compliance.
Innovation Solution
A robotic testing apparatus and system that obtains rotational and translational data to determine an equilibrium position for the knee joint, allowing for the computation of respective zero torque points and analysis of biomechanical characteristics, which can compare to preset data to assess joint health and inform treatment decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tests are used to diagnose knee joint instability, then the diagnostic process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with an automated robotic testing apparatus that applies controlled forces and measures joint responses objectively. The robotic system uses actuators to apply precise rotational and translational movements while sensors measure the resulting joint play and ligament compliance, eliminating subjective clinician evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic testing apparatus as an intermediary between the clinician and the patient's knee joint. This intermediary device objectively measures joint play and ligament compliance through controlled mechanical testing, serving as a mediator that translates physical joint characteristics into quantifiable data for diagnosis.
2Reliability
If manual tests are performed by individual clinicians, then the testing process is simple to implement, but the reliability and consistency of diagnosis are poor due to subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic testing apparatus replaces manual mechanical testing with automated, computer-controlled mechanisms that apply standardized forces and measure joint responses. This substitution ensures consistent testing protocols are followed for every patient, eliminating variability between different clinicians and improving diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that measure joint play and ligament compliance during testing. The robotic apparatus adjusts its applied forces based on measured responses, and the system provides feedback to clinicians through displayed results that indicate the degree of joint instability and ligament damage.
3Measurement precision
If objective measurement of joint play is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic testing apparatus with computer-controlled actuators and sensors to objectively measure joint play and ligament compliance. The system uses force sensors to apply controlled loads and position sensors to measure joint movements, providing precise quantitative data that replaces subjective manual assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic testing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: applying rotational moments to test ligament integrity, measuring joint play in different directions, assessing ligament compliance, and providing comprehensive diagnostic information. This multi-functional device consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate testing procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining rotational data and translational data for a joint. The rotational and translational data is indicative of rotational and translational movement of the joint during rotational and translational joint testing, respectively. The rotational and translational joint testing is implemented by a robotic testing apparatus. Respective zero torque points are determined for the rotational and translational movement based on the rotational data and the translational data. The respective zero torque points are combined for the rotational and translational movement to determine an equilibrium position for the joint. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is ascertained based on an analysis of the equilibrium position.