Angle sensor for orthopedic rehabilitation device

A method for measuring an angle between a first member and a second member of an orthopedic rehabilitation device, comprising the steps of:

• providing a magnetic flux which varies according to said angle;
• detecting said magnetic flux with a Hall effect sensor;
• generating an output signal with said Hall effect sensor, wherein said output signal is related to said magnetic flux;
• and
• converting said output signal into an angular equivalent.

A method for calibrating an angle sensor for an orthopedic rehabilitation device, wherein said orthopedic rehabilitation device comprises a first rigid member rotatably secured relative to a second rigid member and said angle sensor comprises a magnet secured to said first rigid member and a Hall effect sensor secured to said second rigid member, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning said first rigid member of said orthopedic rehabilitation device in a plurality of predetermined positions relative to said second rigid member of said orthopedic rehabilitation device;
• detecting an output signal value of said Hall effect sensor at each of said plurality of predetermined positions;
• and
• storing said output signal values in an electronic storage device.

A hinge mechanism for an orthotic brace, wherein said orthotic brace comprises a first rigid member rotatably secured relative to a second rigid member, said hinge mechanism comprising:

• a pivot;
• and
• an angle sensor for measuring an angle of a joint, said angle sensor comprising:
• a magnet fixedly secured to said first rigid member of said orthotic brace, and
• a Hall effect sensor fixedly secured to said second rigid member of said orthotic brace.