Adjustable Prosthetic Pylon Length via Telescopic Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic legs require time-consuming and inaccurate manual cutting of pylons to achieve the proper length, and existing solutions lack adjustability to accommodate changes in shoe type, prosthetic foot, or user physical changes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pylon system comprising a fixed tube and an adjustable tube with a length adjustment screw and centering post, allowing for adjustable length without removing the pylon from the prosthetic limb, enabling user-adjustable length changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual cutting is used to adjust pylon length, then the pylon can be customized to length, but the process is time-consuming and lacks accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be extended or retracted independently. Each section contains threading features that allow precise positioning and locking at various lengths, eliminating the need for manual cutting while enabling accurate and quick length adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pylon transitions from a static fixed length to a dynamic adjustable length system. The telescopic mechanism with internal and external tubes allows the pylon length to be changed on-demand by rotating adjustment mechanisms, providing both precision and speed in length customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-length tube is used, then the structure is simple, but there is no means to adjust the length when prosthetic configurations or user physical changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pylon employs a nested tube configuration where an internal tube is housed within an external tube. The internal tube can slide in and out of the external tube to adjust length, with both tubes containing threading features for precise positioning and locking, achieving adaptability while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable pylon mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides length adjustment for different prosthetic configurations, accommodates user physical changes, and maintains structural integrity through integrated threading and locking features. This multi-functionality addresses various adaptability needs without requiring multiple separate components.
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
Facilitates faster and more accurate length adjustments, accommodating various prosthetic configurations and user changes without the need for manual cutting or removal of the pylon.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded bulkhead with a threaded hole inside the adjustable tube... a length adjustment screw including a threaded body
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable pylon to be used with a prosthetic limb. The adjustable pylon including a fixed tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, a receiving end, and a retainer bulkhead with a hole. The adjustable pylon including an adjustable tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, an insert end sized to fit inside the fixed tube, a threaded bulkhead with a threaded hole inside the adjustable tube. The adjustable pylon including a length adjustment screw including a threaded body and a centering post.