Adjustable Finger Prosthesis Kinematic Chain Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current finger prostheses are not adequately designed to accommodate varying levels of amputation, leading to limited functionality and discomfort due to the need for high activation force and restricted operational range, especially for hands with missing stumps or different phalange levels, and often prioritize appearance over functionality.
Innovation Solution
A finger prosthesis utilizing a kinematic chain mechanism with adjustable pivots and elastic elements that allow for flexible activation by flexion or extension movements, enabling anthropomorphic motion and self-return to default position, adaptable to different residual biological configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a finger prosthesis is designed to accommodate varying levels of amputation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis employs a universal design with adjustable components that can accommodate multiple amputation levels. The kinematic chain mechanism with adjustable pivots and elastic elements allows the same basic prosthesis structure to function effectively whether the user has missing distal, middle, or proximal phalanges, eliminating the need for multiple specialized prosthesis designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis incorporates dynamic adjustability through movable pivots and elastic elements that can be reconfigured based on the user's residual biological configuration. This dynamic design allows the prosthesis to adapt its mechanical properties to match different amputation levels while maintaining a consistent overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a finger prosthesis uses electromechanical means for activation, then functionality is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis utilizes the user's own biological finger movements to directly activate the prosthesis mechanism. The kinematic chain is designed so that natural flexion or extension movements of the residual biological finger automatically trigger the corresponding prosthesis movement, eliminating the need for separate electromechanical activation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis replaces complex electromechanical activation systems with a purely mechanical kinematic chain that directly translates biological finger movements into prosthesis movements through mechanical linkages and elastic elements, simplifying the overall system while maintaining functionality.
3Device complexity
If a finger prosthesis is designed with fixed activation mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different residual configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates dynamic adjustability through movable pivots and elastic elements that can be reconfigured based on the user's residual biological configuration. This dynamic design allows the prosthesis to adapt its mechanical properties to match different amputation levels while maintaining a consistent overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis allows for parameter adjustments in the kinematic chain configuration, particularly in the positioning and adjustment of pivots and elastic elements, to optimize performance for different residual biological configurations without requiring a complete redesign of the activation mechanism.
4Strength
If a finger prosthesis requires high activation force, then mechanical strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates elastic elements that dynamically adjust the mechanical properties during operation, allowing the system to maintain strength when needed while reducing activation force requirements through elastic deformation and recovery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis utilizes elastic elements that change the mechanical parameters during activation, storing and releasing energy to reduce the peak activation force required while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength for functional operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The prosthesis provides improved functionality and comfort by reducing the need for high activation force, extending the operational range, and accommodating various amputation levels, while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a self-return elastic mechanical arrangement coupled to the prosthesis from a fixed reference for providing the prosthesis with a constant strength
Data Source
AI summary
Prosthesis for at least one cut-off finger resulting in a stump at the height of the proximal, middle and/or distal phalange, or in a finger with missing stump. The prosthesis from a modular hinged mechanism allowing for a self-return flexion movement and the activation of said mechanism from at least one force applied to any point of a plane on said mechanism. A prosthesis for a hand with missing stumps is also provided from the wrist movement providing a range of operation greater than the art, wherein said flexion is activated from an extension movement of the wrist.