Ankle-Foot Orthosis Track Locking for Tool-Free Cuff Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle foot orthosis (AFO) designs offer limited height-adjustability and require manual assembly with hardware, screws, nuts, or bolts, failing to accommodate users of varying heights effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable orthosis device featuring a strut member with a track portion, a housing member, and a locking mechanism that allows for adjustable cuff placement without the need for assembly tools, enabling multiple height positions through a sliding and locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prefabricated AFOs use fixed height positions with predetermined holes in the strut and leg cuff, then the device structure remains simple, but the number of height-adjustable positions is limited to 4-5 sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed predetermined holes with a continuous track system that allows the leg cuff to move dynamically to any position along the track. The track portion extends along the strut member, enabling continuous height adjustment rather than discrete fixed positions, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the height adjustment functionality from the traditional fixed-hole system and implements it through a separate track system with a movable leg cuff. This separation allows the cuff to be positioned independently at any location along the track, providing unlimited height-adjustable positions without complicating the overall device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-made AFOs are manufactured to achieve specific cuff height, then the fit is precise, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing the AFO device with a complete track system already integrated into the strut member. The track portion is prepared in advance with engagement features that allow the leg cuff to be quickly positioned and locked at the desired height without requiring custom manufacturing or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the self-adjusting mechanism where the leg cuff can be independently positioned along the track and secured using the locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for external tools, screws, nuts, or bolts, allowing rapid height adjustment without requiring specialized assembly skills or equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal size AFOs allow height adjustments to fixed positions, then the device can accommodate multiple users, but assembly with hardware, screws, nuts, and bolts is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, nuts, bolts) with a track-based positioning system. The leg cuff engages with the track portion through a sliding or clipping mechanism, and the locking mechanism secures the position without requiring threaded fasteners. This substitution dramatically simplifies assembly while maintaining adaptability across multiple user heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The track portion serves as an intermediary element between the strut member and the leg cuff, facilitating easy height adjustment. The track provides a guided path for the leg cuff movement and includes engagement features that simplify the connection process, eliminating the need for complex hardware assembly while enabling versatile height adjustment for different users.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
There is provided an ankle foot orthosis device. The device comprises a strut member having an extension portion and footplate portion. The strut member includes a track portion extending along a first side of the extension portion. The extension portion extends up generally perpendicular from the footplate portion. The device comprises a housing member having a cavity formed therethrough configured to house a portion of the extension portion of the strut member. The housing member can move from a first position along the track portion to a second position along the track portion. The device comprises an adjustable cuff member. The adjustable cuff member includes a padded portion and a fastening band. The device includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is coupled to the housing member and configured to interface with the track portion to lock the housing member at one or more positions along the track portion.