Artificial Knee Joint Cushion Structure for Ground Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial knee joints fail to effectively control the interaction between the sole and ground surface, leading to unnatural movement and discomfort due to inadequate feedback and increased impact force when walking on varied surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cushion structure is integrated into the connector of the artificial knee joint, featuring a hydraulic cylinder, piston, resilient element, and adjusting bolt, which provides a cushioning reaction force to allow the sole to adapt to ground surface irregularities and reduce impact, by allowing the brake block to rotate and compress the resilient element upon contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional artificial knee joint is used, then the knee joint control is focused, but the sole cannot timely change posture to comply with the ground surface and impact force is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing a cushioning mechanism within the connector that activates before impact occurs. The resilient element (spring) is pre-compressed and ready to absorb impact forces when the sole contacts the ground surface, allowing the system to respond proactively rather than reactively to ground irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the connector movable relative to the knee joint, allowing it to rotate and adjust its position dynamically in response to ground surface variations. This dynamic adjustment enables the sole to change posture timely and adapt to different ground conditions while the cushioning mechanism absorbs impact forces.
2Ease of operation
If the knee joint is controlled alone, then the knee joint operation is simplified, but the user cannot perceive feedback from the ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a mechanical connection between the ground surface contact point (sole) and the knee joint through the connector. When the sole contacts the ground surface, the connector rotates and transmits this information to the knee joint, allowing the user to perceive ground surface conditions while maintaining simplified knee joint control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the connector as an intermediary element that mediates between the sole and the knee joint. This intermediary component translates ground surface contact information into mechanical movements that the knee joint can respond to, preserving feedback while keeping the control system simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sole maintains fixed posture, then the structure is simplified, but the sole cannot comply with inclined or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the connector to rotate and adjust its position dynamically in response to ground surface variations. This allows the sole to comply with inclined or uneven surfaces while keeping the structural complexity relatively low through a single rotational degree of freedom rather than multiple active components.
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
This solution enables more natural and comfortable walking by allowing the sole to adjust to ground surface inclinations and reduces the impact force, enhancing the user's ability to maintain balance and comfort on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element (13), and an adjusting bolt (11)... the lower end of the brake block (3) is supported by the piston (14) that is subjected to a resilient force of the resilient element
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cylinder (4) arranged inside the brake block (3)... having an upper piston-rod end coupled inside the joint support (6)
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial knee joint includes a joint support having upper and lower ends jointed to outside links and an upper link respectively; a brake block having upper and lower jointing holes respectively jointing a lower end of the upper link and a connector, and having an upper portion forming a positioning slot; a hydraulic cylinder arranged inside the brake block and having an upper end coupled to the joint support; a connector having a lower portion connected to a shank and an upper end portion through which a positioning axle extends; and outside links having an upper end jointed to an upper jointing hole of the joint support and a lower end jointed to a jointing hole of the connector. A cylinder barrel, a piston, a resilient element, and an adjusting bolt are arranged inside the connector and the piston is set against a lower end of the brake block.