Artificial Limb Magnetic Lock Device for Power-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial limb connection methods, such as pin locks, face challenges in balancing weight, causing discomfort and noise during use, and require electric power for magnetic lock devices, which complicates attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
An artificial limb structure equipped with a magnetic lock device utilizing permanent magnets, a magnetic flux control unit, a magnetic force interrupting unit, and a switch unit that allows for attachment and detachment without electric power, enhancing the connection area and comfort by controlling magnetic forces between the artificial limb and socket liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pin lock is used to connect the artificial limb to the socket liner, then the connection is mechanically secure, but the connection area is small causing high pressure and discomfort on the stump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin lock system with a magnetic lock system using permanent magnets. The magnetic force provides secure connection while distributing pressure over a larger area through the magnetic field, eliminating the need for a small pin insertion point and reducing pressure concentration on the stump.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from mechanical (pin-based) to magnetic field-based. This parameter change allows the connection area to expand from the small pin cross-section to the broader magnetic field interaction zone, thereby reducing pressure while maintaining connection strength.
2Ease of operation
If an electro-permanent magnet is used in the magnetic lock device, then attachment and detachment is facilitated, but electric power is required which complicates the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromagnet component from the electro-permanent magnet system, retaining only the permanent magnet. This removal eliminates the power supply requirement while preserving the magnetic locking function. The permanent magnet provides sufficient holding force without requiring electrical activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnet system operates autonomously without external power input. The magnetic field is inherently present and requires no energy supply to maintain the locked state, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the complexity of power management.
3Ease of operation
If a pin lock with a long connecting portion is used, then the artificial limb can be attached, but it is difficult to use if the stump of the wearer is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional mechanical pin insertion (requiring precise alignment along a single axis) to a three-dimensional magnetic field interaction. The magnetic field can accommodate variations in stump length and positioning more effectively, as magnetic forces act over a volume rather than requiring precise linear alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from mechanical insertion depth to magnetic field strength and distribution. This allows the system to adapt to different stump lengths without requiring adjustment of a long connecting portion, as the magnetic field can be optimized to engage at various distances.
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
Facilitates easy and secure attachment and detachment of the artificial limb, reduces pressure on the stump, and improves the overall fit and comfort by increasing the connection area without the need for electric power.
Implementation Method 1
the attachment and detachment member attachable and detachable to/from the magnetic lock device by a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic flux control unit provided on the permanent magnets and transmitting the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnets to the attachment and detachment member or interrupting a transmission of the magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an artificial limb structure having a magnetic lock device. The artificial limb structure includes: an artificial limb coupled to a magnetic lock device; and a socket liner unit detachably coupled to the magnetic lock device, wherein the socket liner unit includes an attachment and detachment member attachable and detachable to/from the magnetic lock device by a magnetic force, and the magnetic lock device includes: permanent magnets; a magnetic flux control unit provided on the permanent magnets and transmitting the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnets to the attachment and detachment member or interrupting a transmission of the magnetic force; a magnetic force interrupting unit provided at the magnetic flux control unit and interrupting magnetic forces between permanent magnets arranged at opposite sides of the magnetic force interrupting unit; and a switch unit adjusting an arrangement of the permanent magnets with respect to the magnetic force interrupting unit.