V-One Microprocessor Knee from Teh Lin

Published , Updated , by Wayne Williams in Category: Bionic Leg / Foot, Mobility
V-One Knee Feature Image

The V-One Microprocessor Knee combines a 4-bar polycentric design, microprocessor control, and pneumatics to deliver a compelling solution.

What’s On This Page?

A Quick Look at the V-One Knee

The V-One Microprocessor Knee from Teh Lin is not new to the market. It was first launched in 2016.

Nor is Teh Lin by any means a startup. It began making prostheses in the 1960s.

Why, then, are we just beginning to cover this company’s impressive products? Because they have operated primarily in China and Taiwan. And although they have distribution in more than 50 countries, western distributors have been rather low-key, especially when it comes to their bionic limb devices, of which they only have three (two microprocessor knees and one myoelectric hand).

Unfortunately, with more than 100 bionic devices to cover in the West, it has simply taken us a while to get around to Teh Lin. But we are certainly happy that we have.

The first device that we’re going to cover is Teh Lin’s latest microprocessor knee: the V-One. In terms of basic technologies, this knee most closely resembles that of the Allux Knee from Nabtesco (distributed by the Proteor USA in the U.S.). Both knees use a 4-bar polycentric design and microprocessor control. The big difference is that the Allux uses hydraulics while the V-One uses pneumatics.

However, the differences go a little deeper than that. As you will see in the next section on sensor & microprocessor capabilities, the V-One uses a unique approach to configuration and subsequent automatic adjustments.

This short video shows the V-One in action:

This next video provides, albeit a little long at 18 minutes, provides an excellent technical overview of the V-One:

Finally, the V-One comes in two models: the base model and a V-One N model (formerly the “Z” model). The base model is made of carbon and has a maximum knee flexion angle of 142 degrees. The N model is made of an aluminum alloy, is slightly heavier, and has a maximum knee flexion angle of 140 degrees.

V-One Knee Key Features

Sensor & Microprocessor Capabilities

To understand how bionic knees work in general, please see A Complete Guide to Bionic Legs & Feet.

The short story is that the microprocessors in bionic knees have three main tasks:

  • automatically adjusting the resistance in the knee to ensure the proper level of support through each stage of the Stance Phase regardless of terrain;
  • ensuring the optimal release point for the knee to begin the Swing Phase and the proper knee extension/damping at the end of this phase;
  • assisting in stumble recovery.

The V-One knee fulfills the first two tasks using the following technologies:

  • it captures data 200 times per second from 3 sensors; these include a patented G-sensor to detect the level of impact of each step through vibrations, as well as a gyroscope combined with multiple magnetic sensors to detect the movement, speed, and spatial orientation of the knee;
  • it uses advanced algorithms to continuously adjust the knee’s resistance to meet the user’s needs;
  • its 4-bar polycentric design with an extension assist spring makes it easier to initiate the Swing Phase and automatically provides more foot clearance during this phase because of its polycentric design.

As far we can tell, the V-One does not offer a specific stumble-recovery feature.

One of the unique features of the V-One has to do its initial configuration and subsequent self-adjustments. For the initial configuration, it uses what it calls a “multi-matrix”, which is really just different settings profiles based on a patient’s weight, activity level, and the length of the residual limb:

Teh Lin Multi Matrix Chart

All the prosthetist has to do is select the correct matrix. Thereafter, the V-One uses self-learning technology to do the rest of the programming on the patient’s behalf. It continues to apply this self-learning technology to adjust itself as the patient’s gait changes.

Finally, to support special activities like riding a bike or hiking, the V-One allows the user to temporarily override these automatic settings by switching to manual settings instead.

Compatibility with Prosthetic Feet

According to the manufacturer, the V-One should be compatible with any K2 or K3 prosthetic foot. However, it has not yet been formally tested with any bionic ankle/foot systems.

Batteries

The V-One Knee’s battery can last for 2 to 3 days depending on the level of activity. Its recharge time is 2 to 3 hours.

It is recommended that the battery be replaced every 2 years.

Water & Dust Resistance

The V-One Knee has an IP rating of 22. This means that it is protected against water sprays up to 15 degrees from vertical, and from objects the size of a finger and above (i.e. larger than 12 mm).

In practical terms, it should not be exposed to either water or dirt.

Device Weight & User Weight Limit

The V-One base model weighs 1.1 kilograms, while the N model weighs 1.2 kilograms. This makes the V-One one of the lightest bionic knees on the market, second only to the Kenevo.

The maximum allowable user weight for both models of the V-One is 125 kilograms, which is pretty much standard for most bionic knees.

K-Level Rating

The V-One Knee is rated for K2 and K3 use.

For a thorough understanding of K-levels, please see the Amputee Coalition’s web page on this topic.

User Software

Teh Lin has recently introduced a mobile application for users. After June 01, 2022, this will be the primary way for users to interact with the V-One. We do not yet have screenshots or a video of this app, but we will update this article the moment we do.

In the meantime, Teh Lin currently provides a wireless Bluetooth remote for the V-One that allows you to:

  • Monitor the battery charge levels of both the knee and the remote
  • Switch between Manual and Auto Modes
  • Increase or decrease the resistance level of the knee joint
V-One Knee Remote Control

Warranty

The V-One comes with a 2-year warranty for manufacturing defects for the knee itself. There are no service requirements for this warranty.

Whether or not an extended warranty is available depends on the distributor.

Note that the V-One is designed for daily activities but not for sports or other high-impact activities such as running, climbing, etc. Using the knee in such high-impact activities will void the warranty.

Price

The V-One does not yet have a U.S. distributor. Distributors in Canada and Mexico currently handle the North American market. However, according to our information, the V-One Knee should sell for between $20,000 and $30,000 US in the U.S. market including the socket, prosthetic foot, and all prosthetist fees, for a typical solution.

In terms of availability, we do not yet have the exact list of countries in which the V-One is available. However, given that Teh Lin operates in more than 50 countries overall, we’re going to classify the availability of all of its bionic devices as “global”.

For a complete list of prices for other microprocessor knees, please see our Microprocessor Knee Price List.

V-One Knee User Feedback Survey & Results

Are you or have you previously been a V-One Knee user? If so, please share your insights with others looking at the V-One as a possible prosthesis.

Survey

Results

We do not yet have a sufficient number of survey participants to publish fair and accurate results for the V-One Knee.

As soon as we do, we’ll update this section.

Considerations Before Buying a V-One Knee

We do not yet have a formal opinion on the V-One, as we rely on user feedback as the basis for most of our views on a device.

However, Teh Lin is an impressive company with an established track record of innovation and quality. Furthermore, they have been extremely open and communicative with us in writing this article. This is always a good sign because today’s end-users are looking to do more research on their own, and good companies respect this desire.

Finally, given how light and affordable the V-One is, we think it is a viable option for a large percentage of those seeking a bionic knee.

For a list of competitive devices, see Current Options for Microprocessor Knees.

For a comprehensive description of all current lower-limb technologies, devices, and research, see our complete guide.

For more information on the V-One Knee, please see this website.