Novel carbon fiber foot plate
By using carbon fiber materials and fiber bundle connection devices to design the prosthetic footplate, the problems of excessive weight and unstable connection of existing prostheses are solved, achieving lightweight, stable and continuous movement, and improving the comfort and lifespan of the prosthesis.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- USA YOBAND PROSTHETICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing prosthetic footplates are heavy and have poor elasticity at the joints, resulting in discontinuous movement, affecting the user's physical exertion and comfort. Furthermore, the existing connection method damages the carbon fiber structure, affecting its strength.
The prosthetic connector is made of carbon fiber and combined with a fiber bundle connection device. It is designed as a full-foot long sole structure and uses non-metallic molded connector with stepped cuts and cushioning pads to achieve stable connection and cushioning.
It reduces the weight of the prosthesis, improves the continuity and comfort of movement, enhances connection stability, extends the service life of the prosthesis, and reduces the burden on the user's residual limb.
Smart Images
Figure CN224193616U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical assistive devices, specifically the field of prosthetics, and in particular a novel carbon fiber footplate. Background Technology
[0002] Since the weight of a prosthesis directly affects the energy consumed by lower limb amputees during movement, thus affecting the effectiveness of the prosthesis, the design and manufacture of prosthesis components should, while fully considering the functional requirements of the user, select lower limb components that are as lightweight as possible to reduce physical exertion.
[0003] To better simulate normal foot movement, the process from heel strike to toe lift is continuous, requiring stable rolling. Two existing solutions exist: one is a lower foot plate half the length of the foot, which results in discontinuous rolling at the step; the other is a lower foot plate full the length of the foot and an upper foot plate half the length, but the upper and lower plates are rigidly connected by bolts, reducing elasticity at the connection point and causing discontinuous rolling. Furthermore, bolted connections require drilling holes at corresponding locations on the foot plate, damaging the carbon fiber structure and affecting strength. Additionally, the rigidity of the metal bolts results in minimal elastic deformation at the connection point.
[0004] Because prosthetists' residual limbs degenerate and other reasons, they are unable to support heavy prostheses, so lighter prostheses are needed. Existing solutions use metal for the upper connector, and some technologies use an aluminum alloy body with a titanium alloy or stainless steel pyramid. Although this reduces the weight of the product, the overall weight is still relatively heavy. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and to provide a new type of carbon fiber footplate.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A novel carbon fiber footplate includes an upper footplate and a lower footplate; it also includes a prosthesis connector and a connecting device; one end of the upper footplate and the lower footplate are fixedly connected by the connecting device; the prosthesis connector is fixedly connected to the top of the upper footplate by fasteners;
[0008] The prosthesis connector includes, from top to bottom, a four-sided pyramid for connecting the external prosthesis structure, a ring seat for protecting the carbon fiber molded head, a carbon fiber molded head for limiting and fixing, and a threaded insert for reinforcing the connection. The four-sided pyramid, the ring seat, the carbon fiber molded head, and the threaded insert are fixedly connected by a carbon fiber molding process.
[0009] Preferably, the fastener includes a fastening bolt and a washer, the washer being located on the fastening bolt, the fastening bolt passing through the top of the upper foot plate and threadedly connected to a threaded insert in the prosthetic connector; wherein, the top of the upper foot plate is also provided with a bolt hole, and the fastening bolt is adapted to the bolt hole.
[0010] Preferably, the head end of the carbon fiber molding head is fixedly connected to the ring seat, and its tail end is provided with a cavity for accommodating the threaded insert, and the cavity is adapted to the threaded insert.
[0011] Preferably, the tail end of the carbon fiber molding head is further provided with a slit, and the tail end of the carbon fiber molding head fits against the top end of the upper foot plate through the slit, forming a limiting position with the upper foot plate.
[0012] Preferably, the shape of the cut is adapted to the shape of the top of the upper foot plate.
[0013] Preferably, the cut is L-shaped.
[0014] Preferably, the connecting device includes a decorative sleeve and a bundle of threads, the bundle of threads being wound around the connecting end of the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate, wherein the bundle of threads is used to fix the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate; the decorative sleeve is fitted onto the connecting end after the bundle of threads is wound around it, wherein the decorative sleeve is used to decorate the bundle of threads.
[0015] Preferably, the connecting ends of the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate are respectively provided with limiting grooves, and the filament bundle is wound in the limiting grooves.
[0016] Preferably, the upper footplate gradually thickens from the bottom to the top of the foot; the lower footplate is designed to cover the entire length of the foot, and its shape simulates the shape of a human foot arch.
[0017] Preferably, a cushioning pad is provided between the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate.
[0018] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects obtained by this utility model include:
[0019] 1. This utility model, through the design of the full-length sole and the setting of the connecting device, can better realize the structure of the human foot arch, so that it has better rolling during movement; and the connecting device uses fiber bundles to minimize damage to the carbon fiber foot plate, which can achieve better gait, while also minimizing damage to the continuous deformation of the carbon fiber foot plate. While improving the comfort of wearing and walking, it also greatly improves the product's lifespan.
[0020] 2. This utility model uses a non-metallic carbon fiber molded prosthesis connector design (the volume of the carbon fiber molded head accounts for a relatively large proportion of the connector), which further reduces the weight of the foot plate product, thereby reducing the burden on the user's residual limb and better protecting the user's residual limb.
[0021] 3. The stepped design of the carbon fiber molding head of this utility model (with a cut at the tail end that matches the top of the upper foot plate, the structure looks similar to a step) avoids the prosthesis connector head from rotating relative to the upper foot plate after a single bolt connection, thus achieving a double fixation effect and improving stability during use. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the carbon fiber foot plate of this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the carbon fiber foot plate of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a component of one embodiment of the carbon fiber foot plate of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial connection diagram of the upper and lower foot plates of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial connection diagram of the upper footplate and the prosthesis connector of this utility model.
[0027] The attached figures are labeled as follows:
[0028] 1. Upper foot plate; 11. Bolt holes; 2. Lower foot plate;
[0029] 3. Prosthetic connector; 31. Square pyramid; 32. Ring seat;
[0030] 33. Carbon fiber molding head; 332. Cutout; 331. Chamber; 34. Threaded insert;
[0031] 4. Connecting device; 41. Decorative sleeve; 42. Thread bundle; 43. Limiting groove;
[0032] 5. Fasteners; 51. Fastening bolts; 52. Washers; 6. Buffer pads. Detailed Implementation
[0033] Please see Figure 1-5 As shown, this utility model mainly provides a novel carbon fiber footplate, including an upper footplate 1, a lower footplate 2, a prosthetic connector 3, and a connecting device 4; the front ends of the upper footplate 1 and the lower footplate 2 are fixedly connected by the connecting device 4; the prosthetic connector 3 is fixedly connected to the top of the upper footplate 1 by fasteners 5; wherein, the prosthetic connector 3 is composed of four parts (such as... Figure 3 As shown, the prosthesis connector includes, from top to bottom, a square pyramid 31, a ring seat 32, a carbon fiber molding head 33, and a threaded insert 34. The square pyramid 31, ring seat 32, and threaded insert 34 are pre-processed metal parts. Through carbon fiber molding, the metal parts and carbon fiber are pressed together to form the prosthesis connector. In this embodiment, the threaded insert 34 strengthens the connection, the ring seat 32 protects the carbon fiber molding head when the prosthesis connector is connected to other prostheses, and the square pyramid 34 is mainly used for connecting with other prostheses. It should be noted that the main material of the prosthesis connector is... The material is carbon fiber, which has half the density of aluminum alloy and 5-7 times the strength of steel, greatly reducing the weight of the product. At the same time, carbon fiber is widely used in the field of prostheses due to its high strength, high elasticity, and light weight, especially carbon fiber footplates, which can give full play to their excellent rebound effect. In addition, the four-sided pyramid at the top of the prosthesis connector is made of titanium alloy or stainless steel (the four-sided pyramid at the top is the standard structure for connecting with other prostheses, and this connection method is quite common in existing technologies. The structural principle will not be elaborated here), which ensures the connection strength while reducing the overall weight.
[0034] Furthermore, the head end of the carbon fiber molding head 33 is fixedly connected to the ring seat 32, and its tail end is provided with a cavity 331 for accommodating the threaded insert. The cavity 331 is adapted to the threaded insert 34, and the prosthetic connector 3 can be fixedly connected to the top of the upper foot plate 1 through the threaded insert 34 and the fastener 5; specifically:
[0035] Refer again Figure 4 As shown, the fastener 5 includes a fastening bolt 51 and a washer 52. The washer 52 is located on the fastening bolt 51. The top of the upper foot plate 1 is also provided with a bolt hole 11, and the fastening bolt 51 and the bolt hole 11 are mutually compatible. When fixed, the fastening bolt 51 passes through the bolt hole 11 on the top of the upper foot plate and is threadedly connected to the threaded insert 34 in the prosthesis connector. When connected, the chamber 331 of the carbon fiber molding head also has space for the fastening bolt 51 to rotate, thereby achieving a tight fixation between the fastening bolt 51 and the bolt insert 34. The washer on the fastening bolt 51 can play a role in pressure fixing (the washer protects the upper foot plate contact position when pressure fixing is performed), which can enhance the stability of the fixation between the prosthesis connector and the upper foot plate.
[0036] Furthermore, the tail end of the carbon fiber molding head 33 is also provided with a slit 332, through which the tail end of the carbon fiber molding head fits against the top end of the upper foot plate 1, and forms a limiting position with the upper foot plate 1 (e.g., Figure 5(as shown); In this embodiment, the shape of the cut 332 is adapted to the shape of the top of the upper foot plate; preferably, the shape of the cut 332 is L-shaped; the setting of the carbon fiber molded head tail end cut 332 can limit the end of the upper foot plate 1 (the upper surface of the upper foot plate and the connection of the cut match each other), avoid the prosthesis connector head from rotating relative to the upper foot plate after single bolt connection, so as to achieve the effect of double fixation and improve the stability during use.
[0037] In this embodiment, the connecting device 4 includes a decorative sleeve 41 and a wire bundle 42. The wire bundle 42 is wound around the connecting end of the upper foot plate 1 and the lower foot plate 2. The wire bundle 42 is made of composite material mainly composed of carbon fiber or glass fiber. The lower foot plate 2 and the upper foot plate 1 are connected and fixed by winding. Correspondingly, the connecting end of the upper foot plate 1 and the lower foot plate 2 is provided with a serrated limiting groove 43, so that the wire bundle used for connecting is firmly stuck in the limiting groove 43 and does not move, thereby realizing a stable connection between the upper and lower foot plates.
[0038] Furthermore, the decorative sleeve 41 is fitted onto the connecting end after the filament bundle is wound. The decorative sleeve 41 is mainly used to decorate the surface of the filament bundle 42, making the product surface smoother and more beautiful. The decorative sleeve is not limited to the overall installation sleeve, nor is it limited to the sleeve formed by winding or coating.
[0039] In this embodiment, the connection device 4 causes less damage to the upper and lower foot plates, thereby greatly improving the fatigue life of the product and bringing better elastic deformation; at the same time, the properties of the connecting wire bundle 42 are close to the material of the foot plate, thus achieving continuous elastic deformation and good rolling performance.
[0040] In this embodiment, the upper foot plate 1 gradually thickens from the bottom to the top of the foot. This design is based on the actual force exerted by the contact between the sole and the ground during walking. As the sole of the foot touches the ground, the force gradually decreases until the toes leave the ground, and the thickness of the product gradually decreases, thus reducing the force. The upper foot plate 1 imitates the shape of a human foot and the ankle, which is similar to a C-shaped structure, providing more space for deformation of the upper foot plate. The bending angle should be less than 90 degrees and is not fixed.
[0041] In this embodiment, the lower foot plate 2 is designed to be the full length of the foot (that is, the lower foot plate is designed as a whole, and there are no steps or rigid connections in the middle that would cause deformation obstacles during the rolling process, so that the rolling force and deformation are continuous). The shape of the lower foot plate simulates the effect of the human foot arch, making walking more stable and providing better rolling performance, thus providing users with a better walking experience.
[0042] In this embodiment, a buffer pad 6 is provided between the upper foot plate 1 and the lower foot plate 2. The buffer pad 6 can effectively avoid damage caused by collision and contact friction between the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate during operation, and improve the stability and durability during use.
[0043] It should be noted that this invention, through its full-length foot design and connecting device, better realizes the structure of the human foot arch, resulting in better rolling during movement. Furthermore, the connecting device, using fiber bundles, minimizes damage to the carbon fiber footplate, leading to better gait and minimal disruption to the continuous deformation of the carbon fiber footplate. This improves wearing and walking comfort while significantly extending the product's lifespan. Additionally, the non-metallic carbon fiber molded connector design (with a relatively large volume of the carbon fiber molded head) further reduces the weight of the footplate, thereby reducing the burden on the user's residual limb and better protecting it. Simultaneously, the stepped design of the carbon fiber molded head (with a cut at the tail end that matches the top of the upper footplate, resembling a stepped structure) prevents the prosthesis connector from rotating relative to the upper footplate after a single bolt connection, achieving a double-fixation effect and improving stability during use.
[0044] The foregoing descriptions and embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply this invention. Those skilled in the art will readily make various modifications to these contents and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the foregoing descriptions and embodiments. Improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of this invention without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A novel carbon fiber footplate, comprising an upper footplate and a lower footplate; characterized in that, It also includes a prosthesis connector and a connecting device; one end of the upper footplate and the lower footplate are fixedly connected by the connecting device; the prosthesis connector is fixedly connected to the top of the upper footplate by fasteners; The prosthesis connector includes, from top to bottom, a four-sided pyramid for connecting the external prosthesis structure, a ring seat for protecting the carbon fiber molded head, a carbon fiber molded head for limiting and fixing, and a threaded insert for reinforcing the connection. The four-sided pyramid, the ring seat, the carbon fiber molded head, and the threaded insert are fixedly connected by a carbon fiber molding process.
2. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastener includes a fastening bolt and a washer, the washer being located on the fastening bolt, the fastening bolt passing through the top of the upper foot plate and threadedly connected to a threaded insert in the prosthetic connector; wherein, the top of the upper foot plate is also provided with a bolt hole, and the fastening bolt is adapted to the bolt hole.
3. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head end of the carbon fiber molding head is fixedly connected to the ring seat, and its tail end is provided with a cavity for accommodating the threaded insert, and the cavity is adapted to the threaded insert.
4. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tail end of the carbon fiber molding head is also provided with a slit, and the tail end of the carbon fiber molding head fits into the top of the upper foot plate through the slit, forming a limiting position with the upper foot plate.
5. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape of the cut is adapted to the shape of the top of the upper foot plate.
6. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cut is L-shaped.
7. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a decorative sleeve and a bundle of silk. The bundle of silk is wound around the connecting end of the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate, wherein the bundle of silk is used to fix the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate; the decorative sleeve is fitted onto the connecting end after the bundle of silk is wound, wherein the decorative sleeve is used to decorate the bundle of silk.
8. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper foot plate and the lower foot plate are connected at their respective ends with limiting grooves, and the filament bundle is wound in the limiting grooves.
9. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper footplate gradually thickens from the bottom to the top of the foot; the lower footplate is designed to cover the entire length of the foot, and its shape mimics the arch of a human foot.
10. The novel carbon fiber footplate according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cushioning pad is provided between the upper foot plate and the lower foot plate.