Elastomeric Polymer Prosthetic Joint for 3D Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic joint mechanisms are limited to two-dimensional movement and do not absorb, store, or return energy, restricting their use in rigorous activities and preventing sideways or yawing movements.
Innovation Solution
A joint module with a housing component, elastomeric polymer, and yoke component that allows three-dimensional movement by distorting and storing energy, enabling the prosthetic device to flex, absorb, capture, and return externally generated energy, similar to human joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing joint mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the movement is constrained to two dimensions and energy cannot be absorbed or stored
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing component containing multiple elastomeric polymers, a yoke component with attachment mechanisms, and independent movement capabilities in multiple dimensions. Each polymer can be independently configured to provide specific movement capabilities while maintaining structural integrity through the housing segmentation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing joint mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but energy from movement is simply returned without absorption or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric polymers utilize changes in physical parameters including elastic deformation, viscoelastic properties, and material compliance to absorb and store energy during movement. The polymers can be configured with varying degrees of compliance to optimize energy storage while maintaining the required movement characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing joint mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but sideways or yawing movement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate various movement types including flexion, extension, sideways movement, and yawing rotation. The elastomeric polymers can be configured to provide different movement freedoms in different directions, allowing a single joint structure to replace multiple specialized joints while maintaining simplicity.
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
Enables individuals to perform rigorous activities with prosthetic devices by allowing multi-dimensional movement and energy absorption and return, enhancing the functionality of prosthetic joints like elbows and knees.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer is thus distorted to allow the movement while absorbing and storing the energy from the resistance of the distortion. The energy from the release of the distortion will return the yoke component and distal prosthetic to their original position.
Implementation Method 2
capable of flexing, absorbing, capturing, storing and returning externally and bio-mechanically generated energy
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic joint module to provide a variety of motions and functions similar to human joint systems during rigorous activities. The joint module includes a housing component attached to a proximal prosthetic device, an elastomeric polymer attached to the housing component and a yoke component attached to the elastomeric polymer and to a distal prosthetic device. The yoke component and distal prosthetic device are moved relative to the housing component and proximal prosthetic device causing the elastomeric polymer to distort. This distortion allows the joint module to flex, and absorb, capture, store and return the energy from the movement to of the yoke component.