Wearable Device Mode Control for Prosthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic device control methods are cumbersome and require direct interaction with the device to switch between different modes of operation, which becomes impractical as prosthetic devices incorporate more complex control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device with sensors and a processor that allows users to select and change modes of operation for a prosthetic device through non-intrusive means, such as rotary inputs or gestures, sending commands wirelessly to the prosthetic device to activate the desired mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct interaction with the prosthetic device is used to switch modes, then the device can be controlled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mode switchingVSAvoidtime to switch modes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A wearable device is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the prosthetic device. The wearable device receives user inputs (such as rotary inputs or gestures) and wirelessly transmits mode change commands to the prosthetic device, eliminating the need for direct interaction with the prosthetic device and enabling quick mode switching without time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with the prosthetic device (such as physical switches or buttons on the device itself) with wireless communication through a wearable device. This substitution allows mode changes to be initiated through simple gestures or inputs on the wearable device, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing the time required to switch modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more complex control mechanisms are added to the prosthetic device, then more modes of operation can be provided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operation modesVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two separate components: the wearable device that handles user input and mode selection, and the prosthetic device that executes the commands. This segmentation allows the prosthetic device to have multiple operation modes without increasing its own control mechanism complexity, as the wearable device manages the complexity of mode selection and switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device serves as a universal control interface for the prosthetic device, handling multiple functions including mode selection, mode switching, and command transmission. This multi-functionality allows the prosthetic device to provide numerous operation modes without requiring complex control mechanisms within the prosthetic device itself, as the wearable device manages all control complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10166123B2Controlling prosthetic devices with smart wearable technology

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method, computer program product and computer system for mode selection of a prosthesis is provided. A processor of a wearable device receives a first input from a user. A processor of a wearable device determines the first input indicates a change to a mode of operation of the prosthesis. A processor of a wearable device sends a first command to the prosthesis to change the mode of operation of the prosthesis.