Method for controlling an orthopedic joint

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10952875-B2
Application number	US-201815881537-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 26, 2018
Priority date	Nov 7, 2007
Publication date	Mar 23, 2021
Grant date	Mar 23, 2021

Abstract

A method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. The orthopedic apparatus comprises top connecting members to connect to a limb, and an orthopedic element that is hingedly arranged distal to the connecting members. The method includes sensing, with sensors, several parameters of the orthopedic apparatus; comparing the sensed parameters with criteria that have been established based on several parameters and/or parameter curves and are stored in a computer unit; selecting a criterion that is suitable on the basis of the determined parameters and/or parameter curves; and adjusting resistances to movements, extents of movements, driving forces, and/or the progresses thereof in accordance with the selected criterion in order to control special functions that differ from walking on a plane.

First claim

We claim:

1. A method for controlling a passive prosthetic knee joint, the method comprising:
providing a prosthesis having the passive prosthetic knee joint, an upper attachment member configured to attach to a limb, a lower attachment member pivotally attached to the upper attachment member, an actuator, a computer unit, and a plurality of sensors;
detecting parameters of the prosthesis with the plurality of sensors, the parameters including at least an absolute angle of the lower attachment member relative to a vertical axis, a rate of change of the absolute angle, a torque force in the knee joint, and a rate of change of the torque force;
comparing the detected parameters with criteria stored in the computer unit;
selecting multiple criteria based on the comparing;
automatically adjusting, with the actuator, at least one of a damping force or a damping profile for the knee joint in accordance with the selected criteria, to adapt to special functions that deviate from walking on a planar surface.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a joint angle and a profile of a change in the joint angle.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein at least one of the special functions is initiated when a lower leg is inclined rearward, the passive prosthetic knee joint is straightened, and a knee torque is below a fixed level.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of an axial force and a profile of the axial force.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one a vertical movement and a profile of a vertical movement.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a horizontal movement and a profile of a horizontal movement.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a tilt angle of part of the prosthesis in space and a profile of a change in the tilt angle of part.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least two parameters or parameter profiles are combined in one criteria.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein multiple criteria are used to initiate one or more of the special functions.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein in at least one of the special functions, the damping is automatically changed in a set-down phase or a hip straightening phase.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the special functions is initiated when an axial force acting on a lower leg drops and when the passive prosthetic knee joint is straightened or being straightened.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the at least one of the special functions additionally takes into account an axial force dropping below a fixed level.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a vertical acceleration and an axial force, and the special function is initiated when there is an upward vertical acceleration and when an axial force is below a fixed level.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a horizontal acceleration and an axial force, and the special function is initiated when there is a rearward horizontal acceleration and when an axial force is below a fixed level.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the damping is adjusted during at least one of a lift phase and the set-down phase.

16. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the damping is adjusted during a stance phase or during a swing phase.

17. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a low-torque lift of the distally arranged lower attachment member is detected via a force sensor or torque sensor.

18. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters further include at least one of a vertical acceleration of the distally arranged lower attachment member and a joint angle, and a low-torque lift is detected by measurement of the vertical acceleration and by detection of a bending in the passive prosthetic knee joint.

19. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein after the automatic adjustment of the damping force or damping profile, setting a free extension with time control.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19 , wherein the time control is effected mechanically or electronically.

21. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the parameters are determined during walking.

Assignees

• Bock Healthcare Gmbh
• Ottobock Se & Co Kgaa

Inventors

• Pusch Martin
• Boiten Herman
• Zarling Sven

Classifications

• A61F2/74

  fluid {, i.e. hydraulic or pneumatic} · CPC title

• A61F2/741

  using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors or solenoids · CPC title

• A61F2002/7645

  for measuring torque, e.g. hinge or turning moment, moment of force · CPC title

• A61F2002/5033

  for adjusting damping · CPC title

• A61F2/64

  Knee joints · CPC title