• Adjustable straps to accommodate different thigh circumferences
  • Includes the temperature sensor, push button and control box
  • Connects to the ArthroRecover app for tracking parameters needed for recovery

Selection

Decision Matrices

Temperature Sensor:

Temperature SensorTemperature RangeSizeCostAccuracyTotal Score
DS18B20 Temperature Sensor4/5-55°C to +125°C5/5~1cm5/5$8.995/5±0.5°C19/20
Thermocouple (Type K)5/5-200°C to +1260°C4/5~2cm 3/5$203/5±2.2°C15/20
Non Continuous Patch 3/50°C to 100°C3/5~3cm4/5$154/5±1.0°C14/20

Microcontroller:

Electrical Components SpeedDigital OutputAnalog and digital input(measure, temperature, torque)SizeCostCompatibility with SensorsPower ConsumptionTotal Score
NVIDIA Jetson Nano4/54/5Good GPIO, supports PWM control 4/5 Good GPIO, supports sensor input4/599.5mm x 79.5mm3/5$99-$1294/5(Good AI/ML Sensor Support)3/510-15W26/35
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B5/54 x 1.5 GHz Cortex-A725/5Extensive GPIO, various protocol support5/5 Extensive GPIO, various sensor protocols4/585.6mm x 56.5mm4/5$35-$755/5(Extensive GPIO, Multiple Protocols)4/53-5W32/35
Arduino Mega 25603/54/5Ample GPIO, PWM on several pins3/5 Limited advanced sensor integration3/5101.6mm x 53.3mm4/5$25-$403/5(Limited Advanced Integration)5/50.1-0.5W25/35

Heating Component:

Heating componentHeating efficiencyFlexibilityPower consumptionTemperature controlDurabilityTotal
Silicone Heating Pads5/5High efficiency, even heat distribution5/5Highly flexible, conforms to the shape of the brace4/5Low to moderate power usage5/5Precise control with built-in thermostats5/5Very durable, long-lasting in various conditions24/25
Infrared Heating4/5Fast warm-up, effective at heating targeted areas3/5Less flexible4/5Low to moderate power usage3/5Less precise, but controllable through external thermostat4/5Moderate durability18/25
Gel Packs3/5Slow to heat but retains heat for longer periods4/5Flexible, can be molded to the body (once heated)5/5No power required2/5Limited temperature control3/5Moderate tends to wear over time17/25
Carbon Fiber Heating5/5Very high efficiency with quick heat-up4/5Can be flexible if woven into fabrics4/5Low to moderate power usage4/5Precise control5/5High durability22/25

Insulation Material:

Insulation MaterialThermal insulationComfortCostFlexibilityMoisture ResistanceTotal Score
Neoprene4/5Good thermal insulator4/5provides good support and cushioning4/5$10-$20 per yard4/5stiff compared to lighter fabrics5/5Highly resistant to water, water absorption < 1%21/25
Fleece3/5Provides warmth but not as effective as neoprene5/5Soft, lightweight, and highly comfortable3/5$15 – $30 per yard5/5flexible and soft, conforms to body easily3/5Moisture absorption ~ 7-10%19/25
Cotton2/5Poor insulator4/5Comfortable to wear but not ideal for active use5/5$1 – $3 per yard3/5Flexible but stiff when wet2/5Absorbs 18-20% moisture16/25
Fleece Lined Neoprene5/5Desired insulation due to the combined qualities of neoprene and fleece5/5Highly comfortable4/5$19.99 per yard4/5Very flexible5/5Neoprene offers 0% water absorption, fleece adds comfort23/25

Motor:

MotorWeightTorque LengthPower Steps: Cost Total Score
Servo 350 kg 0.55kg 5/535 N*m10/10143 mm1/5 500 W 1/50.424/589.993/5
24/35
Nema 34 Stepper motor3.65kg2/58.5N*m3/10114 mm2/5 35.28 W3/51.83/574.994/517/35
Nema 170.0726kg5/50.0395 N*m1/1027.94 mm5/5 1.8 W5/51.83/586.063/522/35
Cloudray Nema 343kg2/56.5N*m2/1098 mm3/59.94 W4/5
 
1.83/5405/519/35
Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.9 kg 3/530 N*m9/1076 mm4/514.1 W4/50.0395/561.314/529/35

Material selection:

Material:Tensile Strength:Corrosion Resistance:Density:Fatigue Resistance:Cost:Total Score
Onyx with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement5/590-120 MPa and 500-1,500 MPa5/55/51.6 g/cm³5/550–100 MPaand 500–1,200 MPa3/5 23/25
Aluminum Alloy 60613/5240-310 MPa3/5Requires coating4/5 2.70 g/cm34/5100-150 MPa5/519/25   
Titanium 4/5350 MPa5/53/54.43 g/cm³5/5600-800 MPa4/5  21/25 
Steel4/5400-550 MPa1/5 3/5 7.85 g/cm³4/5 150-300 MPa5/5 17/25