Digit Prosthesis Assembly With Adjustable Hinges

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digit prosthetics lack functional movement and pressure distribution capabilities, failing to provide adequate stability and dexterity for amputees, especially those with partial finger or thumb amputations.

Innovation Solution

A digit prosthesis assembly featuring adjustable hinge mechanisms and protective covers that redirect pressure, mimicking natural finger and thumb movements by using rotating and curved hinges to simulate metacarpal joint actions, and providing adjustable digit covers to divert pressure from sensitive areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional passive silicone prosthetics are used, then aesthetic appearance is achieved, but functional movement and pressure distribution are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidfunctional movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic digit is divided into multiple segments (proximal, intermediate, and distal phalanges) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the prosthetic to replicate natural finger joint movements while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of a complete digit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthetic incorporates dynamic hinge mechanisms that enable movement between digit segments, transforming the static passive silicone design into a dynamic structure that can bend and flex to mimic natural finger motion, thereby restoring functional movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If rigid structural support is added for stability, then strength is improved, but pressure distribution and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidpressure concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic employs different material properties and structural characteristics at different locations: rigid hinge mechanisms provide structural support and stability at the joint areas, while compliant pressure-redistributing surfaces are applied at contact points to prevent pressure concentration and improve comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Pressure-redistributing surfaces act as intermediaries between the rigid structural components and the user's residual digit, absorbing and redistributing contact pressures to prevent painful pressure points while allowing the rigid hinges to provide necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If hinge mechanisms are added for movement, then dexterity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedexterityVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanisms are nested within the aesthetic cover of the prosthetic digit, with the mechanical components housed inside the visually appealing outer shell. This nesting allows the complex mechanical structure to provide dexterity while the aesthetic cover maintains the natural appearance and protects the internal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20230093422A1Digit Prosthesis Assembly

Publication Date: 2023.03.23 DIDRICK DANIEL

AI summary

A digit prosthesis assembly is described. Embodiments of the digit prosthesis assembly include, but are not limited to, an attachment assembly, a thumb assembly, one or more finger assemblies, a pinky finger assembly, a palm engagement assembly, and combinations thereof.