Compact Leg Prosthesis Adapter for Biomechanical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leg prostheses require multiple adapters for proper fit, leading to increased weight, complexity, and cost, with inadequate height and biostatic alignment, posing a risk and necessitating expensive custom designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, single-piece prosthesis shaft adapter with an integrated amputation stump receiving cup and rearward extension, allowing for customizable alignment and connection to the transtibial part, featuring a locking mechanism and lateral offset for optimal biomechanical fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to achieve proper fit and alignment, then the prosthesis can accommodate different patient sizes and stump lengths, but the weight increases and the number of components increases leading to higher complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate adapter components into a single integrated adapter assembly that includes the adapter body, alignment features, and connection mechanisms all in one piece. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate adapters while maintaining the ability to accommodate different patient anatomies through adjustable features within the single assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adapter assembly is designed with universal applicability through adjustable alignment features, interchangeable connection interfaces, and configurable geometry that can accommodate various patient sizes, stump lengths, and anatomical variations. This multi-functional design allows one adapter to perform the roles previously requiring multiple specialized adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to shift the coupling location, then the connection between prosthesis shaft and knee joint can be properly positioned, but the overall height increases and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spacing function, alignment function, and connection function into a single adapter assembly with an optimized structural design. By combining these functions in one component rather than using multiple stacked adapters, the overall height is reduced while maintaining the necessary spacing and alignment capabilities through internal geometry and integrated features.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adapters are used for proper fit, then the biomechanical alignment can be achieved, but the cost increases and the fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple precision-machined adapter components into a single adapter assembly that can be manufactured as one integrated part. This reduces the cumulative manufacturing tolerances and assembly complexity while maintaining precise biomechanical alignment through built-in alignment features and geometric constraints within the single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly incorporates adjustable parameters such as interchangeable connection interfaces, configurable alignment angles, and adjustable spacing features that allow customization for different patients without requiring multiple specialized adapter designs. This parametric approach simplifies manufacturing by using a base design with variable parameters rather than multiple fixed designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A leg prosthesis wherein the prosthesis shaft and the transtibial part are connected by a prosthesis shaft adapter. The prosthesis shaft adapter is constructed as a compact one-part component with a liner (sleeve as inner prosthesis shaft adapter) of the amputation stump and with a rearward extension for the prosthesis receptacle connection. The prosthesis shaft adapter is designed such that, in addition to the rearward extension of 1 cm to 10 cm, the prosthesis receptacle connection is also angled and laterally offset. Advantageously, the leg prosthesis according to the invention has a relatively low weight due to the prosthesis shaft adapter as a connecting element. The leg prosthesis operates absolutely safely and can be efficiently produced. The fabrication of a leg prosthesis with an individual biomechanical fit to the patient is significantly facilitated, which also results in fewer faulty prostheses.