Asymmetrical Prosthetic Connector Plate for Alignment and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic connector systems for residual limbs offer limited alignment options, are cumbersome, and add excess weight and cost due to their bulky and complex design.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic connector system with an asymmetrical outer profile and unique hole patterns that allows for more alignment positions between the prosthetic socket and component using a smaller surface area, featuring a plate with convexly curved contours and designated areas for supporting the component in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional prosthetic connector system is used, then alignment between prosthetic socket and component can be achieved, but the system becomes bulky and adds excess weight
Solution Approach 1:
The plate features an asymmetrical outer profile with non-uniform distribution of attachment holes, allowing multiple alignment positions to be achieved within a compact footprint. The asymmetrical design enables the plate to provide varied offset positions without requiring a larger surface area, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining alignment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical thickness dimension of the plate to provide multiple attachment surfaces and hole patterns. By distributing holes at different depths and positions on the plate's surface, the system achieves multiple alignment positions without expanding the plate's horizontal footprint, thus avoiding increased weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic connector systems are used, then alignment adjustment is possible, but the device becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables alignment adjustment through multiple hole positions, and offers various offset configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the alignment adjustment function directly into the plate structure itself, rather than using a separate alignment mechanism. The attachment holes and asymmetrical profile are integrated into the plate's basic structure, merging support and alignment functions into a single component, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional prosthetic connector systems are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the system adds excess cost due to complicated design
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed as a segmented structure with distinct zones for different functions: attachment zones with hole patterns for alignment, support zones with varying thickness for structural integrity, and reduced zones for weight savings. This segmentation allows efficient material distribution, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate utilizes variations in thickness and material density across different zones to achieve both structural requirements and cost efficiency. Thinner sections are used where high strength is not critical, reducing material costs, while thicker sections provide necessary support and alignment precision, optimizing the balance between performance and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A prosthetic connector system (260) for use with a prosthetic socket having a distal part (261) includes a plate (262) defining a plurality of holes (285) and attachable to the distal part (261) of the prosthetic socket. A component (271) is removably attachable to the plate (262) via the plurality of holes (285) and arranged to connect a prosthesis to the prosthetic socket. The plate (262) defines an outer periphery (265) having an asymmetrical configuration contoured to substantially correspond to at least a portion of an outer periphery of the component (271) when the component (271) is attached to the plate (262) in a plurality of positions via at least some of the holes (285).