Magnetic Locking Actuator for Adjustable Prosthetic Joint Alignment
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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 components, allowing for adjustable heel height and length through rotational mechanisms, featuring a stepper magnet actuator with bar magnets and threaded shafts for precise adjustment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a prosthetic joint uses a fixed structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and user convenience deteriorate due to inability to adjust heel height and length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable heel height and length mechanisms that allow the prosthetic foot to change its configuration dynamically. The actuator system enables users to adjust the heel height by rotating a heel adjustment mechanism, and adjust the length by extending or retracting an actuator assembly, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different user needs and terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic foot is divided into multiple adjustable segments: the heel assembly with adjustable height, the actuator assembly with extendable length, and the foot blade. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component, providing granular control over the prosthetic's configuration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a prosthetic joint includes adjustable mechanisms, then adaptability and user convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic or hydraulic adjustment systems with a purely mechanical actuator assembly. The actuator uses a screw mechanism or linkage system that can be manually operated to extend and retract, providing length adjustment without motors or sensors. The heel adjustment mechanism similarly uses a mechanical cam or lever system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanisms are designed to be user-operated through simple manual actions. The user can adjust the heel height by rotating a knob or lever, and adjust the length by pulling or pushing the actuator assembly, without requiring external power sources, control systems, or assistance from others, thereby reducing system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a prosthetic joint uses magnetic locking mechanism, then adjustment precision and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary locking mechanism between the actuator assembly components. The magnets are embedded in the actuator housing and interact with ferromagnetic elements in the moving parts to provide automatic locking at predetermined positions. This intermediary magnetic field provides precise positioning and stable locking without requiring complex mechanical springs, detents, or adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving high precision.
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 user-adjustable heel height and length in prosthetic and orthotic devices, enhancing user convenience and adaptability while maintaining stability and precision.
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, substantially locking the actuator
Implementation Method 2
when the at least one magnet or at least a portion of at least one magnet in the first component is not aligned with the at least one magnet or at least a portion of at least one magnet in the second component, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component to adjust a heel height of the prosthetic foot
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.