Robotic Knee Testing Apparatus Setup and Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing knee joint instability, particularly due to ligament damage, are plagued by inconsistency and inaccuracy due to their subjective nature and reliance on manual tests, leading to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Innovation Solution
A robotic knee testing apparatus is developed, which includes a method for precise setup involving leveling of drive system motors, adjustment to zero torque positions, and stabilization of the knee joint, allowing for objective measurement of ligament length and compliance through controlled movements and sensor data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tests are used to diagnose knee joint instability, then the testing 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 a robotic system that uses motors, sensors, and computer control to perform knee joint tests. The robotic apparatus applies controlled forces and measures joint play objectively, eliminating clinician subjectivity while maintaining mechanical testing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the clinician and the patient's knee joint. The robot acts as a mediator that executes standardized test protocols and provides objective measurements, removing the direct manual contact that causes subjectivity in traditional testing.
2Reliability
If standardized robotic testing is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but the ease of operation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs self-calibration and automated setup procedures, reducing the burden on operators. The system automatically levels itself, calibrates sensors, and configures test parameters, allowing less experienced users to achieve reliable results without extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of testing parameters such as force magnitude, application rate, and joint angle through software control. This enables the system to adapt to different patient conditions and clinical scenarios while maintaining standardized measurement protocols for reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple setup adjustments are made to the robotic apparatus, then measurement precision improves, but the time required for setup and the productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs preliminary leveling, calibration, and configuration automatically before patient testing begins. These setup actions are executed autonomously without requiring manual adjustment by the operator, reducing setup time while ensuring precise measurement conditions are established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements quick-adjust mechanisms that allow rapid positioning and securing of the robotic apparatus to the patient's knee. The system can quickly transition between different test configurations and patient setups, minimizing the time lost during preparation while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A knee examination method includes the steps of situating a patient on a patient support adjacent a robotic knee testing apparatus (50), setting up the robotic knee testing apparatus (50), further setting up the leg of the patient relative to the robotic knee testing apparatus (50), and, after the steps of setting up and further setting up, examining knee laxity of a knee of the patient. The step of examining includes operating the robotic knee testing apparatus (50) to manipulate a tibia positioning assembly.