Integrated Ankle-Foot Prosthesis With Concentric Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lower limb prosthetics are bulky and heavy due to modular components that separately house shock absorption, torsional motion, and active dorsiflexion functions, which are not intelligently integrated, leading to increased size and weight, and may not fit amputees properly.
Innovation Solution
A co-designed architecture integrates vertical shock absorption, torsional shock absorption, multi-axial motion, and active dorsiflexion into a single, passive ankle-foot prosthesis with an energy-storing keel, using concentric layers and passive components like carbon fiber and elastomers to achieve a lightweight and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used to provide shock absorption, torsional motion, and active dorsiflexion functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (shock absorption, torsional motion, active dorsiflexion) into a single integrated ankle-foot prosthesis unit. The concentric layering of components allows vertical shock absorption, torsional shock absorption, and active dorsiflexion to coexist in one housing, eliminating the need for separate modular assemblies and reducing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested concentric layers where the vertical shock absorbing pylon is positioned centrally, surrounded by the torsional shock absorbing layer, which is in turn surrounded by the active dorsiflexion mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functions to be packed into a compact single housing without increasing device volume or weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are stacked together to provide multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a concentric radial arrangement. Instead of stacking components one on top of another along the vertical axis, the invention layers components concentrically around a central pylon, utilizing radial space to accommodate multiple functions within the same vertical envelope, thereby maintaining short build height.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric nesting of functional layers (vertical shock absorption core, torsional shock absorption middle layer, active dorsiflexion outer layer) allows all components to occupy the same vertical space rather than extending height, achieving multi-functionality within a compact height profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate functional modules are assembled together, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional modules into a single integrated housing with concentric layers, reducing the number of separate assemblies and mounting mechanisms required. This consolidation simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining all essential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ankle-foot prosthesis housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: vertical shock absorption, torsional shock absorption, and active dorsiflexion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
The integrated design provides advanced ambulation capabilities while maintaining a short build height and light weight, reducing maintenance needs and improving comfort by mimicking natural ankle movement without electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical shock absorbing pylon can be co-located. Vertical shock absorption refers to the axial motion in the pylon with respect to the foot, which absorbs shock in the limb during landing through the stance phase of gait.
Implementation Method 2
A compliant spring can be used to provide passive active dorsiflexion. This refers to the automatic dorsiflexion motion of the ankle in the air during the swing phase of the gait to aid the user.
Implementation Method 3
A torsional shock absorber sub-assembly can be co-located. Torsional shock absorption refers to the rotational motion of the ankle relative to the foot that helps absorbing torsional shock.
Implementation Method 4
The integrated prosthetic foot component can enable advanced ambulation ability through an energy storing J-shaped keel system which allows for adaptation to uneven terrain and stronger toe push-off.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments can relate to a prosthetic foot system. The system can include an ankle joint housing co-locating a rotation sub-assembly, a torsional shock absorbing sub-assembly, and a vertical shock absorbing sub-assembly. The system can include a foot component attached to the ankle joint housing. The system can be configured as a co-designed architecture to functionally integrate at least two functions of: (i) torsional shock absorption, (ii) multi-axial motion with stiffness modulation in single gait cycle, (iii) active dorsiflexion, and (iv) vertical shock absorption by causing the at least two functions to operate in concert.