Adjustable Ankle-Foot Orthosis Track Locking for Universal Fit
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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 with a track system and locking mechanism, allowing for multiple height adjustments without tools, featuring a strut member, housing member, cuff member, and a locking mechanism that removably couples to a track portion for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prefabricated AFOs use fixed height options with predetermined positions, then manufacturing is simplified, but height adjustability is limited to 4-5 positions
Solution Approach 1:
The strut is divided into multiple segments with a track system that allows the cuff to be positioned at multiple discrete heights. The track portion extends along the extension portion of the strut member with multiple engagement members at different heights, enabling segmentation of the height adjustment range into usable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable system. The housing member can move along the track portion and be locked at different positions, allowing the cuff height to be dynamically adjusted based on user needs while maintaining structural stability when locked.
2Ease of operation
If manual assembly with hardware, screws, nuts, bolts is used, then height adjustment is possible, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track system and locking mechanism are pre-assembled as an integrated unit during manufacturing. The engagement members are pre-positioned along the track portion, and the locking mechanism is pre-configured to interface with these engagement members, eliminating the need for end-user assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the housing member and track system into an integrated assembly. The locking mechanism includes a first portion that interfaces with the track portion and a second portion that provides locking function, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component that requires no separate hardware or assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limited height options are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but effectiveness and comfort for specific anatomical needs are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis device is designed as a universal size that can accommodate users of various heights through the adjustable track system. The same basic structure with the track portion and locking mechanism provides multiple height options, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices for different height requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis device that can include a strut member, a housing member, a cuff member, and a locking mechanism. The strut member can have an extension portion and footplate portion. The strut member can include a track portion extending along a first side of the extension portion. The track portion can extend a pre-determined distance along the extension portion. The extension portion can extend at a first direction generally perpendicular from the footplate portion. A portion of the strut member can pass through a cavity in the housing member and allow for the adjustability of the height of the housing member along the extension portion. The locking mechanism can engage the track portion to lock the housing member at various positions along the track as desired by the user.