US 12,690,995 B2 · Anterior cruciate ligament protector

Abstract

A wearable knee brace system integrates inertial measurement unit (IMU) and electromyography (EMG) sensors with machine learning models to prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. The system collects real-time biomechanical and neuromuscular data and analyzes the data using supervised, personalized, or federated learning techniques to identify high-risk movement patterns. Upon detecting elevated injury risk, the system may issue real-time alerts or activate a hybrid actuation system comprising high-force, low-displacement actuators and low-force, high-displacement actuators to reduce joint loading. The system further supports personalized model adaptation using calibration activities and transfer learning, as well as privacy-preserving performance improvements through federated learning. Feedback is provided through visual, auditory, or haptic interfaces and may be integrated with rehabilitation tools or mobile applications. The system may be used in athletic, dance, clinical, or rehabilitative environments to enhance performance, optimize recovery, and reduce the risk of knee ligament injuries.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for preventing anterior cruciate ligament injury in a user wearing a knee brace, comprising:

receiving motion data from at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor and neuromuscular activity data from at least one electromyography (EMG) sensor positioned on the user's leg;
analyzing the motion data and neuromuscular activity data using a machine learning model trained to identify movement patterns associated with increased risk of ligament injury;
predicting, based on the analysis, an imminent high-risk movement likely to cause excessive force on the anterior cruciate ligament;
generating a feedback signal in response to the prediction;
and
transmitting the feedback signal to at least one of a visual, auditory, or haptic feedback device to alert the user to modify their movement.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Anterior cruciate ligament protector

Life of this patent

Anterior cruciate ligament protector

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20