Wearable Robot Fracture Reduction with Replaceable Branch Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fracture surgery is limited by high surgical risk, complexity, and poor wearability, with existing wearable orthopedic medical robots suffering from single driving modes, non-replaceable branch chains, heavy structures, and lack of integration with rehabilitation processes.
Innovation Solution
A wearable robot with a lightweight, high-rigidity design featuring electric-manual dual mode operation and replaceable branch chains, utilizing a six-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism for precise fracture reduction and rehabilitation, with real-time force monitoring for guided rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving mode is used for fracture reduction, then the robot structure can be simplified, but the patient burden increases and daily life convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs a dynamic driving mode switching mechanism that allows transition between electric driving mode for precise fracture reduction and manual driving mode for rehabilitation exercises. The driving mode switch enables the system to adapt its operation based on the treatment phase, reducing patient burden during rehabilitation while maintaining precision during reduction.
2Device complexity
If the branch chain structure is fixed and non-replaceable, then the robot design is simplified, but the ability to meet special fracture type requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's branch chain structure is segmented into replaceable modules that can be quickly swapped based on fracture type requirements. The proximal and distal rings with standardized connecting structures enable the replacement of intermediate branch chains, allowing the robot to adapt to different fracture locations and types without redesigning the entire system.
3Manufacturing precision
If the driving and transmission structure is heavy, then the robot can achieve high precision fracture reduction, but the overall structure becomes heavy and wearability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs local quality optimization by concentrating the heavy precision-driven components only in the proximal and distal rings where fracture reduction precision is critical, while the intermediate branch chains and supporting structures use lighter materials. This localized approach maintains high precision where needed while reducing overall weight for improved wearability.
4Manufacturing precision
If fracture reduction function is provided, then accurate bone alignment is achieved, but fracture rehabilitation function is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with multi-functionality to perform both fracture reduction and rehabilitation exercises through the same proximal and distal rings and branch chain structure. The driving mode switch enables the system to transition from reduction mode with high precision positioning to rehabilitation mode with controlled motion, making a single device capable of addressing both treatment phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable robot for integrated fracture reduction and rehabilitation, comprising a proximal ring, a distal ring, six driving branch chains, motor driving device and manual driving device; the six driving branch chains are divided into two groups, each of them comprises a platform connecting sleeve, a sliding bearing, a bearing locking nut, a proximal Hooke hinge, an intermediate prismatic pair, a sleeve, a force sensor, and a distal Hooke hinge; one end of the driving branch chain is connected with the proximal ring by a connecting sleeve fastener, and the other end is connected with the distal ring by nut, each driving branch chain is connected with the driving devices via D-shaped shaft sleeve. The wearable robot has electric-manual dual model driving, and the branch chain can be quickly replaced during and after the operation.