AXIAL LOCKING MECHANISM FOR HYDRAULIC PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking mechanism that selectively restricts flexion movement in a hydraulic prosthetic knee joint. The mechanism includes a locking pin (1) that is axially offset within the knee joint body (4). The locked and free positions are determined by the axial positions of the locking pin (1), independent of its rotational position. Recessed passage channels on the locking pin (1) allow joint movement in the free position, while solid locking walls create simultaneous mechanical contact on multiple surfaces in the locked position. In the preferred application, ball spring setscrews (2) securely fix the positions of the locking pin (1), and the locking pin stopper bolt (3) limits the axial stroke. In an alternative application, a button-operated positioning device is used, including a locking spring (5), a pull button (6), a stop pin (7), and a slotted pin (8).

Description

1 Specifications AXIAL LOCKING MECHANISM FOR HYDRAULIC PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT Technical field The invention contributes to the technical field of prosthetics and orthopedic assistive devices, particularly for the lower extremities. Hydraulic prosthetic knee joints developed for users with amputations and the word 5 the subject is the selective mechanical limitation of flexion movement in joints It relates to key mechanisms aimed at this. The invention specifically concerns a lock that moves axially within the body of a knee joint. a pin that allows switching between the free and locked positions of the knee joint; preferred In the application, the positions of the locking pins are kept stable by ball spring setscrews and 10 a mechanical locking mechanism in which the axial stroke is limited by a locking pin stopper bolt It is related. In an alternative application, the axial locking structure in question involves a locking spring, tension. with a button positioning scheme including a button, stop pin and slotted pin. is being implemented. State of the Art Today, hydraulic prosthetic knee joints utilize hydraulic cylinder and valve mechanisms. Different resistances are created for the stance and swing phases of the gait. With this... together, prolonged standing, weight transfer via prosthesis, or full stability. In usage scenarios requiring it, the flexion movement of the knee joint is mechanically 20 It must be prevented. In known mechanical locking mechanisms, the latches that move on the outer casing rotate. rings, cable assemblies, spring-loaded pre-stressed locking elements, and a recess that grips Pins are used. In these structures, the locking element is compressed under load, ensuring it fits perfectly into its housing. not sitting, the user cannot distinguish between locked and unlocked positions, 25 accessing the mechanism from under clothing becomes more difficult, and it is integrated into a compact hydraulic housing. Technical problems such as reduction in hydraulic working volume may occur during this process. In document number EP2621413B1 and titled "Joint mechanism," the prosthetic or orthotic knee The movement between the parts of the joint is positioned in a rotatable manner in the second part. 2 It is stated that this is prevented by a locking element with a round or oval cross-section. The structure exhibits locked and unlocked states, leveled by the angular position of the locking element. It depends on the position of its contour. This structure ensures that the locking function depends on the rotational position of the locking pin. This is achieved through independent axial displacement and simultaneous loading of multiple locking surfaces. It does not explain the structural order it carries. 5 Document number DE10311189A1 describes a device that can fit into a recess in a joint piece and is electrically powered. A locking pin that can be axially retracted via a coil is described. This structure... It requires electrical drive and coil core, and the user does not have direct mechanical control. It moves between two axial positions with its control and its positions are determined by mechanical feedback. It does not provide a compact mechanism that is stabilized by its components. 10 Document number US20050149203A1 describes a rotating device that holds the prosthetic knee joint in an extended position. A locking mechanism based on the hook-shaped portion of the arm gripping a corresponding protrusion. The mechanism is explained. In this mechanism, a lock runs along the body. a system that simultaneously engages multiple locking surfaces depending on the axial position of its pin No structure found. 15 Therefore, for locking, a hydraulic prosthetic knee joint can be fitted into its compact body. Locked and unlocked positions that do not require pin rotation allow for direct axial translation. defined by, distributing the load across multiple contact surfaces and controlled by different users. A locking mechanism is needed that can be implemented with the available options. Technical Problem 20 The technical problem that is intended to be solved based on the current state of the art is: hydraulic prosthesis. a locking pin that can be placed in the compact knee joint body of the knee joint and performs the locking function axial translation position, regardless of rotation position around its own axis performing, in the locked state, transferring the joint load through multiple locking surfaces, maintaining both free and locked positions stably, whether directly pushed or 25 The goal is to provide a mechanical locking system that can be implemented with a push-button control mechanism. Purpose and Advantages of the Invention The aim of the invention is to create a locking pin that can move axially within the knee joint body. Aligning the channels that allow passage of the body lock walls in the free position and locked 30 3 in this position, the filled pin walls make simultaneous mechanical contact with the lock body walls. This involves providing a locking mechanism that prevents flexion movement by bringing it into position. Another objective of the invention is to determine the locked and unlocked positions based on the angular position of the locking pin. Thanks to its independent axial positioning, it can handle flattened or oval cross-sectional rotary surfaces. A linear locking motion is achieved without the need for locking elements. 5 Simultaneous contact of multiple locking surfaces applies shear and bending loads at different contact points. They are distributed to the regions. In the preferred configuration, two ball-spring setscrews are used, one free and one locked on the locking pin. The locking pin selectively fits into the position slots, thus holding the locking pin in the selected position. Tactile and auditory feedback is provided to the user. Locking pin stopper bolt, lock 10 limiting the stroke of the pin and preventing the locking pin from separating from the knee joint body. It prevents. Another preferred application is the lock spring or lock pin in an alternative button application. It creates axial preload on it; pull button, stop pin and slotted pin. This allows the free and locked positions of the locking pin to be selected with one hand. 15 In this application, the rotational movement does not constitute the primary locking movement; it is the axial movement. It serves to mechanically maintain the selected position obtained by translation. is doing. Explanation of the figures 20 Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism of a hydraulic knee prosthesis with a ball-spring setscrew application. This is a general perspective view of the joint. Figures 2a and 2b show the exploded locking mechanism of a ball spring setscrew application. It is the appearance. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism in the free position for a ball spring setscrew application. It is the appearance. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism in the locked position for a ball spring setscrew application. It is the appearance. Figure 5 shows the locking mechanism of the ball spring setscrew application, partially attached to the knee joint body. It is the appearance of the locked position without being displayed. 30 4 Figure 6 shows the locking mechanism of the ball spring setscrew application, partially attached to the knee joint body. It is the view in its free position, without being shown. Figure 7 shows the hydraulic prosthetic knee with locking mechanism for alternative button application. This is a general perspective view of the joint. Figures 8a and 8b show an exploded view of the locking mechanism for the alternative button application. 5 Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism in the free position for the alternative button application. It is the appearance. Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism in the locked position for the alternative button application. It is the appearance. Figure 11 shows the locking mechanism of the alternative button application, partially connected to the knee joint body. It is the appearance of the device in the locked position without being displayed. Figure 12 shows the locking mechanism of the alternative button application, partially attached to the knee joint body. It is the view in its free position, without being shown. Explanation of references 15 Ref. No. Description 1 Locking pin 11 Transition channels 12 Locking wall 13 Locking surface area 14 Guide channels 2 Ball bearing spring setscrews 3 Locking pin stopper bolts 4. Knee joint body 41 Locking wall Locking spring 6 Pull buttons Ref. No. Description 7 Stop pins 8 Slotted pins 9 Key plate Detailed Description of the Invention The invention is a locking pin that moves axially within a knee joint body (4). (1) The preferred method of switching between the free and locked positions of the knee joint. In practice, the positions of the locking pin (1) are kept stable by ball spring setscrews (2) and 5 a mechanical locking mechanism with axial stroke limited by locking pin stopper bolt (3) are related (Figures 1, 2a, 2b). In the preferred application mode of the invention, the locking mechanism is located on the upper part of the hydraulic prosthetic knee joint. It is integrated into the knee joint body (4) in the section (Figure 3). In the knee joint body (4) extends between the opposite side sections of the body and 10 along the axis of the locking pin (1). It has a pin bearing that allows it to move. The locking pin (1) seen in Figure 2b is a recessed passage separated from each other along the axis. It has an external geometry that includes locking walls (12) filled with channels (11). Free In the position of the locking pin (1), the recessed passage channels (11) on the knee joint body (4) aligned with the corresponding locking walls (41) and flexion of the movable joint component 15 and extension movement is allowed (Figure 4). In the locked position, the locking pin (1) is on full locking walls (12), aligned with the channels of motion in the knee joint body (4) by creating simultaneous mechanical strength on multiple contact surfaces. Flexion movement is restricted. Locked and free positions are determined not by the angular position of the locking pin (1) around its own axis, but by 20 It is determined solely by the translation position along the axis. Preferred In practice, there are three locking surface areas (13) on the locking pin (1) and the word The regions in question (13) carry loads simultaneously in a locked position. The axial stroke between the locked and free positions of the locking pin (1) is between 3 mm and 6 mm. It can be selected, and in the preferred application, it is set at a nominal 4 mm. System 25 6 When under normal free use conditions, one end of the locking pin (1) is attached to the knee joint body (4) It creates a protrusion on the outside equal to the nominal stroke amount. This end is attached by the user. By applying axial force, the locking pin (1) is moved to the opposite side and locked into position. It is brought in. To unlock the lock, an axial force is applied to the end section located on the opposite side. By applying this, the locking pin (1) is moved in the opposite direction. 5 Geometric alignment that allows the locking pin (1) to be moved to the locked or unlocked position, It is designed so that the knee joint is in its full extension position. Thus when the joint is in intermediate angles, the lock pin (1) must make contact with the lock surfaces by force. is restricted (Figures 5, 6). Two ball spring setscrews (2) are preferably used in the upper part of the knee joint body (4) 10 It is positioned. At the end section of each ball spring set screw (2), it is locked by spring force. There is a ball that is pushed towards the pin (1). Free and locked on the locking pin (1). Separate positioning slots are created corresponding to the locations (Figure 4). When the locking pin (1) is moved axially, the balls of the ball spring setscrews (2) spring It is retracting against the force, separating from a positioning slot, and the other 15 It sits in the positioning slot. With this seating, the locking pin (1) is in the selected position. It is held firmly and provides the user with tactile and auditory feedback. Two Using ball spring setscrews (2), positioning on the locking pin (1) It ensures the balanced application of force. The locking pin stopper bolt (3) is located on the locking pin (1) on the knee joint body (4) 20 It is positioned to extend into a longitudinal guide channel (14). Locking pin stopper The bolt (3) makes mechanical contact with the ends of the guide channel (14) and the stroke of the locking pin (1). limiting and preventing the locking pin (1) from separating uncontrollably from the knee joint body (4). It prevents. 1. Transition to Locking Position: With the knee joint in the unlocked position, first move the pin (1) 25 The blocking lock plate (9) is lifted upwards. The lock plate (9) is released when lifted. The knee joint is locked by pushing the locking pin (1) forward. After locking is achieved Then the lock plate (9) is repositioned so that it is in front of the pin (1). In this way This completely prevents the lock from being unintentionally or accidentally opened during use (figure). 6). 30 7 The user (prosthetic user) can secure the device by means of the locking pin (1) in situations requiring extra safety. It converts the knee joint to a fixed (inflexible / non-rotational) state. The locking process is carried out in the following steps: • I. Starting Position (Unlocked and Secure Position): In the first stage, the knee joint is unlocked. It is in this state. The lock plate (9) rests inside a channel (14) located in the lock pin (1). Involuntarily 5 It prevents the knee joint from releasing its locking position. • II. Opening the Safety Plate: To start the locking process, the lock plate (9) must be rotated on its own axis. It is removed from the safety housing by rotating it around and the axial movement path of the locking pin (1) He is released. • III. Performing the Locking Action: After the safety mechanism is opened, press the locking pin 10 (1) is pressed / pushed axially. The locking pin (1) moves inward, locking the knee joint into the locked position. It allows it to pass. • IV. Ensuring Security (Fully Locked Position): Once the locking process is complete, the lock... lock plate (9) to prevent the pin (1) from accidentally coming back out due to shock or external factors. It is returned to its original position. 15 is positioned as a stopper (barrier) in front of the locking pin (1). Thanks to the lock plate (9), the knee joint is brought to a fully secure and locked position. 2. Transitioning to Unlocked Position: When you want to return the knee joint to a free / unlocked position, First, the lock plate (9) is opened by rotating it. To the pin projection located on the left side of the knee joint. By pressing, the locking pin (1) is pushed back and then the locking plate (9) is closed again. Thus the knee joint It is then safely switched to the unlocked (free-moving) version (Figure 5). 20 In an alternative application, the buttons shown in Figures 7, 8a, 8b, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are used. Positioning scheme is used. In this application, locking pin (1), locking spring (5), pull The button (6) is assembled with the stop pin (7) and the slotted pin (8). The locking spring (5), It creates a preload in the axial direction on the locking pin (1). The pull button (6) is attached to the end section of the locking pin (1) by means of the stop pin (7) 25 It is connected. By pulling the pull button (6), the locking spring (5) is compressed and the slotted pin (8) is detached from its housing corresponding to the free or locked position. Pull button (6) By rotating it angularly, the slotted pin (8) is aligned with the socket of the selected position, pull When the force is removed, the locking spring (5) pushes the locking pin (1) in the axial direction and the slotted pin (8) speaks The subject is settling into the nest. 30 8 The rotational movement in the alternative technique is a movement that directly locks the knee joint. It is not. The locking of the knee joint is due to the axial displacement of the locking pin (1) and the full by the locking walls contacting the corresponding surfaces (4) in the knee joint body This is provided. Rotating the pull button (6) selects the axial position by rotating the slotted pin. (8) ensures its preservation. 5 The slotted pin (8) limits the separation of the locking pin (1) from the system and the free and locked. It functions as a position indicator by fitting into separate slots corresponding to the positions. Stop pin (7) provides the mechanical connection between the pull button (6) and the locking pin (1) and the pull It transmits the rotational movement of the button (6) to the locking pin (1). With this structure, the lock mechanism It can be operated with one hand. 10 Locking pin (1), ball spring setscrews (2), locking pin stopper bolt (3) or alternatively lock spring (5), pull button (6), stop pin (7) and slotted pin (8) move the hydraulic cylinder. in the upper body volume that lies outside the attachment axis of the prosthetic attachment pyramid It is positioned in such a way that assembly can be done without interfering with the hydraulic operating elements. Maintenance and parts replacement are possible. 15 Locking pin (1) and locking pin stopper bolt (3) are made of stainless steel, hardened steel or Knee joint body (4) made of titanium alloy; aluminum alloy, titanium alloy or It can be manufactured from stainless steel. Ball spring setscrews (2), locking spring (5), stop pin (7) and the slotted pin (8) are made of corrosion-resistant steel, while the pull button (6) is made of metal or It can be produced from engineering plastics. 20 Industrial applicability The invention has applications in the prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing industry, medical device production, precision machining, and It is applicable in the production of mechanical joint systems. Locking pin (1), ball spring setscrew (2), locking pin stopper bolt (3), knee joint body (4), locking spring (5), pull button (6), stop pin and slotted pin (8) can be produced by mass production methods and hydraulic prosthesis 25 They can be implanted in knee joints.

Claims

9 Requests 1. In a hydraulic prosthetic knee joint, the locked and unlocked positions are on their own axis. with axial translation positions independent of the rotation position around it a knee joint body (4) which is movable and has a bearing within it, to be determined. The aforementioned knee 5 selectively restricts the flexion movement of the joint component. in a pin bearing that extends between the opposing lateral sections of the joint body (4) an axially movable locking pin (1), on the aforementioned locking pin (1) at least two recessed passage channels (11) separated from each other along the axis and at least two The full locking wall (12) locks the knee joint involuntarily by locking the locking pin (1). with the lock plate (9) which prevents it from opening its position; the recessed 10 mentioned in the free position transition channels (11) with the corresponding locking walls (4) in the knee joint body (41) aligning and allowing joint movement, and the full lockout mentioned in the locked position. multiple contacts by aligning with the movement channels corresponding to its walls (12) with a locking mechanism that creates simultaneous mechanical locking contact on its surface It is characterized by 15 2. According to claim 1, the locking mechanism is such that the aforementioned locking pin (1) is free and locked. at least two placed in the knee joint body (4) to fix their positions separately It is characterized by containing a ball spring setscrew (2).

3. According to claim 2, the locking mechanism is free on the aforementioned locking pin (1) and The presence of separate positioning slots corresponding to the locked positions and ball bearing 20 spring setscrews (2) selectively fit into the aforementioned positioning slots. It is characterized by containing pre-stressed balls.

4. In positions separated from each other with respect to the axis of the locking pin (1) according to claim 2 or 3 Two ball spring setscrews (2) are placed in the upper part of the knee joint body (4) It is characterized by... 25 5. The locking mechanism is in accordance with any of claims 1 to 4, and is attached to the body of the knee joint (4) a guide channel that is connected and extends along the axis on the locking pin (1) and by making mechanical contact with the ends of the aforementioned guide channel, the locking pin (1) a locking pin stopper that limits the stroke and separation of the knee joint from the body (4) It is characterized by containing a bolt (3). 30 6. The locking mechanism is according to any of claims 1 to 5, and the aforementioned locking pin (1) arranged to carry the load simultaneously in the locked position, axis with three separate locking surface zones (13) It is characterized by...

7. The locking mechanism according to any of claims 1 to 6, its feature being; the locking pin (1) Accessible from one of the opposite lateral sections of the knee joint body (4), applied from one of them locked in place by pushing force and with pushing force applied from the other side 5 It can be shifted to the free position, and the distance between the locked and free positions is between 3 mm and 6 mm. It is characterized by having two ends with an axial stroke between them.

8. According to claim 1, the locking mechanism is the axial position of the aforementioned locking pin (1). axial forward on the locking pin (1) to select and maintain the selected position A locking spring (5) that creates a load is connected to the end section of the aforementioned locking pin (1) by a 10 pull button (6), mechanical between the aforementioned pull button (6) and the locking pin (1). a stop pin (7) forming a connection and corresponding to the free and locked positions It is characterized by containing a slotted pin (8) that fits selectively into separate slots. is being done.

9. According to claim 8, the locking mechanism is and the aforementioned locking pin (1) is 15 from the system. will limit its separation and release it by pulling and rotating the pull button (6). or to be fixed to the lock pin (1) in such a way that it aligns with the slot of the locked position It is characterized by the slotted pin (8) that provides.

10. The locking mechanism is according to claim 8 or 9, and the aforementioned pull button (6) By pulling, the locking spring (5) is compressed, 20 from the slotted pin (8) in the socket. by separating and turning the pull button (6) the slotted pin (8) to the other position pull button (6) for alignment with the housing, locking spring (5), stop pin (7) and slotted It is characterized by having an axial and angular motion transmission link between the pins (8). is being done.

11. According to any of claims 8 to 10, the aforementioned pull button (6) can be used with one hand 25 having a graspable outer surface and axial formed by the locking spring (5) the force applied in the direction that will seat the slotted pin (8) into the socket of the selected position It is characterized by its locking mechanism.

12. According to any of claims 1 to 11, the aforementioned lock pin (1) and lock pin (1) the elements that fix its position, the movement volume of the hydraulic cylinder and the prosthetic connection 30 a lock placed in an upper body volume outside the pyramid's connecting axis It is characterized by its mechanism. 11 13. According to Claim 1, the lock plate (9) is located inside a channel (14) in the lock pin (1). It is characterized by...

14. According to claim 13, with the knee joint in the unlocked position, the pin (1) is lifted upwards. It is characterized by its lock plate (9) which allows it to be released.

15. In accordance with any of the previous requirements, after the safety path is opened, press the lock pin 5 (1) By pressing / pushing axially, the locking pin (1) moves inward and the knee joint It is characterized by a locking mechanism that allows it to be locked into the locked position.

16. According to Claim 14, after the locking was carried out, accidental damage due to shock or external factors. In order to prevent it from coming back, the lock plate (9) is returned to its original position. It is characterized by pin (1). 10 17. Rotating lock plate (9), conforming to any of the previous requirements, Knee The locking pin (1) is pushed back by pressing the pin projection located on the left side of the joint and The knee joint is then brought back to the free / unlocked position with the lock plate (9) which is then closed again. It is characterized by its locking mechanism, which allows it to be brought in.

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