Bionic Artificial Interphalangeal Joint Multi-Axis Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial interphalangeal joints suffer from limited degrees of freedom, causing pain, discomfort, and increased risk of dislocation due to insufficient adaptability and strength, particularly in elderly patients, and lack specific designs for different finger joints.
Innovation Solution
A bionic artificial interphalangeal joint with multiple degrees of freedom, featuring proximal and distal prostheses with bowl-shaped gaskets and bending limit stoppers, allowing for up to 90 degrees of bending and improved connection strength, specifically designed for different joint positions to mimic natural finger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing artificial interphalangeal joints with simple rotating structures are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the degree of freedom is insufficient and natural finger movements cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial joint is divided into multiple functional components: a proximal prosthesis, a distal prosthesis, and an intermediate connection structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions - the proximal and distal prostheses provide stable bone anchoring while the intermediate connection enables multi-axis rotation, thereby achieving multiple degrees of freedom without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure between proximal and distal prostheses is designed to enable rotation not only around the joint axis but also around two additional orthogonal axes. This dimensional expansion transforms a simple hinge joint into a multi-axial rotation joint, allowing the finger to perform flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and rotation movements simultaneously
2Reliability
If existing artificial interphalangeal joints are used, then the surgical procedure is simplified, but the ligament muscle tissue requirements are high and dislocation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal and distal prostheses are designed with locally optimized features: enlarged surface areas and roughened surfaces at the bone interface to enhance anchoring strength, while the connection portion maintains a controlled degree of freedom. This local differentiation ensures strong bone-prosthesis fixation without overly complicating the overall implant structure
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure incorporates spherical or curved surfaces that allow smooth multi-axial rotation while maintaining stable contact between components. This curvature design reduces stress concentrations and prevents dislocation by ensuring continuous surface contact during movement, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing surgical complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing artificial interphalangeal joints are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the bionic performance is poor and common finger movements are impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial joint employs dynamic connection structures that allow real-time adjustment of movement parameters. The connection between proximal and distal prostheses enables variable degrees of rotation around multiple axes during different phases of finger movement, closely mimicking the dynamic behavior of natural joint mechanics while using standardized manufacturing processes
4Strength
If existing artificial interphalangeal joints are used, then the overall structure is simplified, but the wearing parts wear easily and impact is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized connection structure acts as an intermediary between the proximal and distal prostheses. This intermediate component absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, reducing direct wear between the main prosthesis bodies. The connection structure includes bearing surfaces and rotation mechanisms that minimize friction and impact while maintaining structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a bionic artificial interphalangeal joint. The bionic artificial interphalangeal joint includes three sets of proximal prostheses and distal prostheses matched with the proximal prostheses and respectively corresponding to the three joints from the metacarpal bone to the distal phalanx. According to the specific position of the joint to be replaced, the corresponding artificial interphalangeal joint can be selected for replacement. Among them, the bionic artificial interphalangeal joint that can be installed between the metacarpal bone and the proximal phalanx has multiple degrees of freedom, which allows the proximal phalanx to bent in any direction like a real finger, and the bending angle of the proximal phalanx can be up to about 90 degrees when the proximal phalanx is bent toward the inner side of the finger.