Modular Attachment Interface With Locking to Prevent Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment systems are complex, costly, and difficult to use, particularly in orthopedic and medical devices, due to the need for component-specific interfaces and a high risk of accidental detachment, which increases manufacturing complexity and reduces compliant use.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable attachment device with modular interfaces that securely attach different components, such as cables and straps, using protruding and receiving portions with locking mechanisms, allowing for intuitive and cost-effective adaptation to various components and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If component-specific attachment interfaces are used to securely attach different components, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single attachment interface structure that can securely attach multiple different components (cables, straps, etc.) through standardized protruding and receiving portions. This eliminates the need for component-specific interfaces while maintaining secure attachment across different component types, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment interface is segmented into distinct functional elements: protruding portions with locking mechanisms on one component and corresponding receiving portions on another. This segmentation allows for standardized modular interfaces that can be universally applied across different components while maintaining secure, reliable attachment through the interlocking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If component-specific attachment interfaces are provided to match different components, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By providing a universal attachment interface design that works with multiple component types, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. Instead of producing different specialized interfaces for each component type, a single standardized interface design can be manufactured in volume, reducing per-unit costs while maintaining reliable attachment across all applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If complex attachment interfaces with matching requirements are used, then attachment reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface uses asymmetric protruding and receiving portions that provide intuitive alignment and insertion. The protruding portion with locking mechanism fits into the corresponding receiving portion in a specific orientation, ensuring proper attachment while being simple to operate. The asymmetric design prevents incorrect insertion while maintaining ease of use through natural alignment cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of operation

If standardized interchangeable attachment interfaces are used, then ease of operation and manufacturing are improved, but attachment reliability may worsen due to accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface incorporates preliminary locking action where the protruding portion engages the receiving portion and automatically activates locking mechanisms during the attachment process. This preliminary locking ensures that once components are attached, they remain securely connected without risk of accidental detachment, while the overall attachment process remains simple and intuitive for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates built-in locking mechanisms and engagement features that prevent accidental detachment before it can occur. The protruding and receiving portions are designed with interlocking elements that require deliberate action to disengage, providing beforehand protection against unintended separation while maintaining ease of proper attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11953076B2Interchangeable attachment device

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 OSSUR ICELAND EHF

AI summary

An interchangeable attachment device includes a first attachment interface supporting a first component, and a second attachment interface supporting at least one second component. The first and second attachment interfaces define cooperating attachment portions arranged for securing an end portion of the first attachment interface to an end portion of the second attachment interface to form an attachment junction.