Integrated Vacuum Suction Structure for Artificial Limb Ankle Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial limb designs with pneumatic and/or hydraulic cushioning mechanisms face challenges in reducing overall size due to separate operation of cushioning mechanisms and air suction assemblies, leading to inefficiencies in shock absorption and comfort during various user behaviors and road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum suction structure integrating an ankle pressure cylinder with an air chamber, a spring-biased air chamber piston, and a one-way hydraulic fluid cylinder, where the reaction force from the artificial foot drives a push rod to move the hydraulic fluid cylinder piston, connecting through a piping system to the air chamber piston, utilizing a one-way valve seat for simultaneous hydraulic cushioning and air pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pneumatic and hydraulic cushioning mechanisms are operated separately from air suction assemblies, then each mechanism can function independently, but the overall size of the artificial limb increases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pneumatic cushioning mechanism and air suction assembly into a single integrated structure. The air suction assembly is positioned inside the pneumatic cushioning mechanism, allowing both functions to share the same spatial envelope. This merging eliminates the need for separate structures while maintaining independent operational capability through shared components such as the piston rod that serves both cushioning and air suction functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate cushioning mechanism and air suction assembly are used, then each can be optimized independently, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs components with multiple functions to reduce overall complexity. The piston rod serves dual purposes: providing hydraulic cushioning through fluid displacement and driving the air suction assembly through vacuum generation. The sealed cavity serves both as a hydraulic fluid reservoir and an air chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to optimize each function through parameter adjustment.
3Volume of moving object
If integrated structure is used to reduce size, then overall volume decreases, but the complexity of coordinating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the air suction assembly is positioned inside the pneumatic cushioning mechanism. The piston rod of the cushioning mechanism extends into the air suction assembly, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the smaller air suction assembly to be accommodated within the volume of the larger cushioning mechanism, achieving size reduction without requiring complex external coordination mechanisms.
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
This integrated structure achieves improved tightness and comfort by simultaneously providing hydraulic cushioning and air pressure regulation, reducing the size of the artificial limb while maintaining effective shock absorption and engagement between the limb residuum and support barrel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasingly supporting an air chamber piston
Implementation Method 2
causing internal pressure to guide hydraulic fluid... to achieve simultaneously hydraulic cushioning
Implementation Method 3
The downward movement of the air chamber piston, together with the air valve assembly, sucks in air to improve tightness of engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum suction structure of ankle joint and support barrel of artificial limb is connected, to the top thereof, with an artificial limb and the support barrel and is connected, to the bottom thereof, with an artificial foot. An ankle pressure cylinder forms therein an air chamber receiving therein an air chamber piston that forms therein a hydraulic fluid compartment. A hydraulic fluid supplementing cylinder and a one-way hydraulic fluid cylinder are arranged at one side of the ankle pressure cylinder and are connected via a connection piping system to the hydraulic fluid compartment. The one-way hydraulic fluid cylinder receives therein a push rod and the hydraulic fluid cylinder piston. When the structure is put into operation to allow a user to step forwards, the ankle pressure cylinder can provide both functions of hydraulic cushioning and air pressure regulation.