Sensor-Controlled Orthopaedic Joint Locking With Adjustable Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopedic aids, such as prostheses and orthoses, lack the ability to adapt their joint resistance to the individual needs and movements of the user, leading to suboptimal support and stability.
Innovation Solution
A joint with an adjustable resistance device controlled by sensor data, allowing for dynamic locking and unlocking based on correlated threshold values for activation and deactivation, using sensors like gyroscopes and force sensors to capture movement and position data, and a control device to adjust resistance via actuators or motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed resistance is used in orthopedic joints, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to individual user needs and movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance device adjustable and controllable through sensor data and control algorithms, allowing the joint to dynamically adapt resistance levels based on user movement and position rather than using fixed resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that capture movement and position data, which are processed by a control device to automatically adjust the resistance device, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to user needs in real-time
2Reliability
If dynamic resistance adjustment is implemented, then user comfort and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where sensors automatically detect user movement and position, and the control device autonomously adjusts resistance without requiring manual intervention from the user, making the system self-regulating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated mechatronic system that uses sensors, control algorithms, and actuators to dynamically adjust resistance, substituting complex mechanical mechanisms with intelligent control
3Reliability
If locking function is added for security, then joint stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional activation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from sensors to automatically detect when locking conditions are met and activates the locking function without requiring user input, making the security feature transparent to the user while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an orthopaedic joint comprising an upper part and a lower part pivotably mounted thereon and a resistance device which is located between the upper part and the lower part and provides resistance against a pivoting movement about a pivot axis, and has a resistance adjusting device coupled to a control device which is coupled to at least one sensor such that the resistance can be adjusted by means of the control device on the basis of sensor data transmitted from the at least one sensor to the control device, a function is stored in the control device in which the joint is locked against pivoting in at least one direction in accordance with the sensor data, the function can be activated for locking and deactivated for unlocking on the basis of the sensor data.