Adjustable Prosthetic Ankle with Tool-Free Flexion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional prosthetic ankles are inadequate for accommodating varying ankle flexion angles necessary for navigating sloped terrain, such as ramps and extreme slopes, which are common in daily life and occupational activities.

Innovation Solution

The development of adjustable prosthetic ankles with modular components and quick-release fasteners or threaded fasteners that allow for infinite or incremental adjustment of flexion angles without tools, enabling users to adapt to different inclines and declines, as well as accommodate various footwear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional prosthetic ankles are used, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but the ankle flexion angle cannot be adjusted to accommodate sloped terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveankle flexion angle adjustmentVSAvoidprosthetic ankle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic ankle is divided into modular components including a pylon, ankle assembly, and foot portion that can be independently adjusted or replaced. The ankle assembly includes separate upper and lower arms with adjustment mechanisms, allowing the flexion angle to be modified without replacing the entire prosthetic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthetic ankle incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the flexion angle to adapt to different terrain conditions. Quick-release fasteners and threaded adjustment mechanisms enable users to change the ankle angle in response to varying slope requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable mechanisms are added to prosthetic ankles, then terrain adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain accommodation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the ankle into modular components with standardized interfaces, the manufacturing process is simplified despite the adjustable functionality. Each module can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, and the modular design allows for easier assembly and quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-angle prosthetic ankles are used, then the device is durable and simple, but it cannot accommodate various footwear or extreme slopes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootwear and terrain compatibilityVSAvoidadjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ankle assembly incorporates quick-release fasteners and threaded adjustment mechanisms that enable users to modify the flexion angle without specialized tools. The adjustment operation is designed to be performed easily by the user, allowing quick adaptation to different footwear requirements or terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10034783B1Adjustable prosthetic ankles

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 UNIV OF SOUTH FLORIDA

AI summary

In one embodiment, an adjustable prosthetic ankle separate from a prosthetic foot includes an upper coupling member, a lower coupling member that couples with the upper coupling member, and a flexion angle adjustment mechanism associated with the coupling members that enables a user to change a relative angle between the coupling members, and therefore a flexion angle of the prosthetic ankle, without using any tools.