Ankle-Foot Orthosis With Replaceable Rigid or Flexible Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ankle-foot-orthoses lack modularity and flexibility, requiring separate manufacturing for different situations and failing to accommodate both static and dynamic movements efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An ankle-foot-orthosis with detachable components, including a foot part, calf part, and a replaceable joint that can be either rigid or flexible, allowing adaptation to different situations by swapping joints made of auxetic mechanical metamaterials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the ankle-foot-orthosis is designed as a single integrated part, then structural stability is improved, but modularity and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmodularity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ankle-foot-orthosis is divided into three separate components: a foot part, a calf part, and a joint. These components can be detached from each other, allowing the orthosis to be customized by replacing different joints (rigid or flexible) based on specific patient needs and situations, thereby achieving both structural stability and modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If different ankle-foot-orthoses are manufactured for different situations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and production costs deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot part and calf part are designed as universal components that can be used with different types of joints. By replacing only the joint component (rigid for static situations, flexible for dynamic situations), the same foot and calf parts serve multiple functions, reducing the need to manufacture entirely different orthoses for different situations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the joint is made detachable, then modularity is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodularityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the foot and calf parts, enabling modularity and customization while maintaining reliable connections through proper attachment mechanisms during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient use in both static and dynamic conditions with reduced production and maintenance costs, providing customizable support for various patient needs and reducing skin irritation.

Implementation Method 1

The joint is especially any element mechanically connecting the foot part and the calf part... The flexible joint may comprise a flexible region between respective connection regions to the foot part and to the calf part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAuxetic structures: Auxetic Structures

Data Source

PatentEP4599805A1Ankle-foot-orthosis

Publication Date: 2025.08.13 OTTO VON GUERICKE UNIV MAGDEBURG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an ankle-foot-orthosis comprising a foot part, a calf part, and a joint mechanically connecting the foot part and the calf part, wherein the joint is detachable from the foot part and the calf part in order to allow both a rigid joint and a flexible joint to be used.