Artificial Knee Vertical Rotation Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial knee designs are complex and costly, making them inaccessible to low-income individuals who need affordable and functional prosthetic solutions.
Innovation Solution
A simple, low-cost artificial knee design featuring first and second knee components connected for rotation in a vertical plane, with an alignment mechanism and a biasing member to ensure vertical rotation, allowing only one-directional angular movement, and utilizing elastomeric or metal springs for biasing, connected via bolts and nuts for ease of assembly and affordability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing artificial knee designs are used, then functional performance is achieved, but cost and complexity increase making them inaccessible to low-income individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial knee is divided into separate components including a first knee component, a second knee component, and a biasing member. These components can be manufactured independently using simple processes and assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive materials such as elastomeric biasing members and simple plastic or metal components that can be manufactured at low cost. The design accepts that these components may have limited service life but prioritizes affordability for low-income users, allowing replacement rather than repair
2Ease of operation
If existing artificial knee designs are used, then rotational function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential rotational function needed for knee movement, eliminating unnecessary structures for vertical rotation and horizontal movement found in complex existing designs. The alignment mechanism and slot-extension member arrangement provide the necessary rotational guidance without additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the restoring force for rotation, acts as a structural connector between components, and guides the rotational movement through its engagement with the slot and extension member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
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
The design provides a lightweight, versatile, and affordable artificial knee that can assist individuals with leg loss, ensuring proper movement and preventing forward falls, while being adaptable for use with artificial foot prostheses, thus addressing the affordability and functionality gaps in existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is an elastomeric member or a metal spring... such that rotation of the first knee component away from the second knee component stretches or elongates the biasing member to provide a force that urges the knee components to move back to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial knee that has first and second knee components connected together for rotation between a first, upright position and a second position where one knee component is positioned at an angle to the other, an alignment mechanism associated with the first and second knee components to assure rotation in a vertical plane from the first position to the second position, and a biasing member. One knee component includes an extension member located in a central location, while the other includes a centrally located slot that receives the extension member and allows rotation only in a vertical plane. The biasing member normally holds the knee components in the first position, such that rotation of the first knee component away from the second knee component stretches or elongates the biasing member to provide a force that urges the knee components to move back to the first position.