Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics

• US 20060195197A1
• Filed: 02/02/2006
• Published: 08/31/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ossur hf
• Original Assignee: Arion Banki Hf
• Inventors: Oddsson, Magnus, Clausen, Arinbjorn V.
• Granted Patent: US 7,867,285 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/24
• 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 for implantable prostheses A61F2250/0002
• 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 for testing implantable prostheses A61F2240/008; for implanting artificial joints A61F2/468
• 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 system for measuring performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device, comprising:

an orthotic or prosthetic device, the device capable of bending while in use; and

a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to bend with the device while in use, and wherein the sensor produces a resistance output correlated to the bending of the device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is secured to the device.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor is adhered along a portion of a surface of the device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is a prosthetic foot.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is an orthotic.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an elongate resistive strip.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a variable printed resistor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises resistive carbon technology.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the resistive strip is configured to measure toe load and heel load on the device.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the resistive strip is configured to measure variations in bending over a designated step cycle.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store data related to the bending of the device.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to display data related to the bending of the device.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface comprising headphones to receive data related to the bending of the device.

14. 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 the bending of the sensor while the device is in use, said sensor bending with the device; and

communicating information regarding said bending.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising communicating said information through a user interface.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said user interface comprises a computer.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said user interface comprises a PDA.

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

19. The method of claim 15, wherein said user interface comprises headphones.

20. The method of claim 14, comprising communicating said information to a memory.

21. The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling said device based on the information communicated.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising aligning said device based on the information communicated.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein the device is a prosthetic foot.

24. A system for measuring performance of a device associated with a lower limb, comprising:

a device associated with a lower limb, the device capable of bending while in use; and

a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to bend with the device while in use, and wherein the sensor produces a resistance output correlated to the bending of the device.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the sensor is secured to the device.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the device is a prosthetic foot.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the device is an orthotic.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein the sensor is a resistive strip.

29. A prosthetic foot system, comprising:

a prosthetic foot;

at least one sensor comprising a resistive strip provided along a portion of the prosthetic foot, the resistive strip configured to bend with the prosthetic foot while the foot is in use; and

means for communicating bending information measured by said sensor to an individual.

30. The prosthetic foot system of claim 29, wherein the means comprises a display.

31. The prosthetic foot system of claim 30, wherein the display comprises an LED display on the foot.

32. The prosthetic foot system of claim 30, wherein the display is connectable to foot via a wired or wireless connection.

33. The prosthetic foot system of claim 29, wherein the means comprises headphones.

34. The prosthetic foot system of claim 29, further comprising a memory configured to store bending information.

35. The prosthetic foot system of claim 34, wherein the memory is provided on the foot.

36. The prosthetic foot system of claim 34, wherein the memory is provided on a device connectable to the foot.

37-96. -96. (canceled)