Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics

• US 8,122,772 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2010
• Issued: 02/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ossur hf
• Original Assignee: Ossur hf
• Inventors: Clausen, Arinbjörn V., Oddsson, Magnús
• Primary Examiner(s): Noori, Max
• Application Number:
  US12/981,339
• Publication Number:
  US 20110098606A1
• Time in Patent Office: 426 Days
• Field of Search: 623/27, 623/53, 737/60, 738/12, 73/27, 73/53
• US Class Current: 73/812
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/66 Feet; Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/70 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/76 Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5055 Reinforcing prostheses by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping, e.g. carbon fibre composites
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6614 Feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6621 Toes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6642 Heels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6657 having a plate-like or strip-like spring element, e.g. an energy-storing cantilever spring keel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6671 C-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6685 S-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/704 computer-controlled, e.g. robotic control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/705 Electromagnetic data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7635 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7645 for measuring torque, e.g. hinge or turning moment, moment of force
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/769 Displaying measured values
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7695 Means for testing non-implantable prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0188 having pressure sensors

Abstract

Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Claims

1. A method for measuring bending of an orthotic or prosthetic device associated with a limb, comprising:

providing an orthotic or prosthetic device having at least one sensor associated therewith;

measuring with said sensor a bending force of the sensor while the device is in use, said sensor bending with the device;

determining whether said bending force is inside or outside of a predetermined range or exceeds a threshold value; and

communicating information regarding whether said bending force is inside or outside of the predetermined range or exceeds the threshold value.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating said information through a user interface.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said user interface comprises a computer.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said user interface comprises a PDA.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said user interface comprises a display on the device.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein said user interface comprises headphones.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating said information to a memory.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling said device based on the information communicated.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning said device based on the information communicated.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a prosthetic foot.

11. A method for measuring bending of an orthotic or prosthetic device associated with a limb, comprising:

providing an orthotic or prosthetic device having at least one flexible portion and at least one elongate deformable sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to bend with the device and is positioned on a top surface of said flexible portion;

measuring with said sensor the bending of the device during user locomotion by producing resistance output values that are correlated to the bending forces exerted on the sensor by the bending of the device during locomotion; and

communicating information regarding said bending.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising communicating said information through a user interface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said user interface comprises a computer.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said user interface comprises a PDA.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said user interface comprises a display on the device.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein said user interface comprises headphones.

17. The method of claim 11, comprising communicating said information to a memory.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling said device based on the information communicated.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising aligning said device based on the information communicated.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the device is a prosthetic foot.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein a higher resistance output correlates to a smaller bend radius of the device.