Bioinspired Multi-Axial Ankle Prosthesis with Adjustable Joint Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle joint prostheses are designed with a single axis, which differs from the multi-axis human ankle joint, leading to somatosensory discomfort, unnatural gait, and poor adaptability, especially on inclined surfaces, and existing multi-axis prostheses with fixed spatial angles fail to accommodate individual anatomical differences.
Innovation Solution
A bioinspired multi-axial ankle prosthesis with adjustable joint axis angles based on a fixed axis length, allowing personalized adjustments to match the biomechanical characteristics of individual patients, improving movement coordination and adaptability, and reducing energy consumption through a simple adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-axis ankle joint prosthesis is used, then the structure is simple, but the kinematic characteristics differ from healthy human limbs causing somatosensory discomfort and unnatural gait
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis divides the ankle joint into multiple independent rotational axes (dorsal-plantar axis, medial-lateral axis, and transverse axis), allowing each axis to rotate independently to replicate the complex multi-axis motion of a healthy human ankle joint, thereby improving wearing comfort and natural gait while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the spatial angles of the rotational axes to be modified based on user needs and activity level. The adjustable design enables the prosthesis to adapt to different walking conditions and user preferences, optimizing both comfort and performance
2Ease of operation
If existing multi-axis ankle joint prosthesis with fixed spatial angles is used, then the structure is more complex, but it fails to accommodate individual anatomical differences leading to poor movement coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates adjustable spatial angle mechanisms that allow users to modify the angles between rotational axes to match their individual anatomical characteristics. This dynamic adjustability enables personalized optimization of movement coordination without requiring excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis allows users to change the spatial angle parameters of the rotational axes within certain ranges. By enabling parameter adjustment, the prosthesis can be customized to match different user anatomies and movement requirements, improving coordination while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized adjustment interfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If the axis length is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different users is improved, but the structural stability decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis employs adjustable spatial angle mechanisms that allow users to modify the angles between rotational axes to match their individual anatomical characteristics. This dynamic adjustability enables personalized optimization of movement coordination without requiring excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis allows users to change the spatial angle parameters of the rotational axes within certain ranges. By enabling parameter adjustment, the prosthesis can be customized to match different user anatomies and movement requirements, improving coordination while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized adjustment interfaces
4Adaptability or versatility
If the axis length is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different users is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates adjustable spatial angle mechanisms that allow users to modify the angles between rotational axes to match their individual anatomical characteristics. This dynamic adjustability enables personalized optimization of movement coordination without requiring excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis allows users to change the spatial angle parameters of the rotational axes within certain ranges. By enabling parameter adjustment, the prosthesis can be customized to match different user anatomies and movement requirements, improving coordination while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized adjustment interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a bioinspired multi-axial ankle prosthesis enabling adjustable joint orientations based on fixed axis length, which belongs to the technical field of bionic human prostheses. In the present disclosure, the joint axis component is located in a space enclosed by the front component, the left component, the upper cover, the rear component, the right component and the bottom cover. By adjusting the positions of various mechanisms in the front, rear, left and right components, the spatial angle of the joint axis can be adjusted, so that the prosthesis of the present disclosure can resemble the human ankle joint structure to the greatest extent. Part of the adjustment mechanism is disposed outside, making the adjustment more convenient. Due to the fixed axis length, the structure is more stable and it is not easy to sway. The present disclosure has a simple structure, and it is convenient for the wearer himself/herself to adjust the angle of the joint axis suitable for him/her. The wearer feels high comfort, and the coordination of the movement between the limb on the affected side and the limb on the normal side can be improved. The present disclosure can adapt to different road changes, and reduce the wearer's energy consumption.