Magnetic Prosthetic Joint Locking for Adjustable Heel Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic joints and orthotic devices lack effective mechanisms for adjustable heel height and length, limiting their adaptability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic foot and actuator system utilizing magnetically locked and adjustable components, including a first and second component with opposing magnetic polarities, allowing for adjustable heel height and length through rotational alignment, enabling precise adjustment and locking of the actuator's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prosthetic joint uses fixed components, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and adjustability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a magnetic locking mechanism that allows the actuator components to transition between fixed and movable states. Magnets in the first and second components create attractive forces that lock the actuator at specific positions, while still permitting controlled movement when needed, thus providing both stability and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms (such as screws, clips, or latches) with a magnetic field-based locking system. The magnetic attraction between oppositely polarized magnets in the first and second components provides secure positioning without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems, enabling easier adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic locking mechanism is added to provide adjustability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic locking functionality directly into the actuator components themselves. The magnets are embedded within the first and second components of the actuator, combining the adjustment mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated system rather than adding separate components, thus minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locking mechanism operates automatically based on the relative positions of the first and second components. When the actuator is moved to a desired position, the magnets naturally align and lock the components in place without requiring additional control systems, sensors, or active power consumption, thereby keeping the system simple and reliable.
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 system provides a user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the heel height and length of prosthetic and orthotic devices, enhancing their adaptability and user convenience by allowing precise positioning and secure locking, thereby improving the functionality of prosthetic and orthotic joints.
Implementation Method 1
when at least one magnet or at least a portion of at least one magnet in the first component having a first polarity is aligned with at least one magnet or at least a portion of at least one magnet in the second component having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a position of the second component is substantially fixed relative to the first component
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic locking actuator for a prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. The actuator includes a first component including one or more magnets and a second component including one or more magnets. The first and second components are coupled to separate portions of the device. The magnets allow for adjustment of a length of the actuator to adjust an angular orientation of the first and second portions of the device. When magnets in the second component are aligned with magnets in the first component having an opposite polarity, a position of the second component is fixed relative to the first component, locking the actuator. When magnets in the second component are not aligned with magnets in the first component having the opposite polarity, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component, thereby allowing adjustment of the height of the actuator.