Modular Distal Finger Prosthesis With Detachable Functional Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current finger prosthetics lack adaptability and customization options to fit individual user needs, both functionally and aesthetically, and do not easily accommodate additional functional units.

Innovation Solution

A modular finger prosthesis system featuring a distal finger prosthesis module with a connecting element for easy attachment to a proximal module and a receiving unit for detachable functional units, allowing for quick adaptation and customization through 3D printing, with interchangeable modules and functional units such as LED lighting, tools, or artificial fingernails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional non-modular finger prosthesis is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finger prosthesis is divided into multiple detachable modules including a proximal module, intermediate module, and distal module. Each module can be independently manufactured and then assembled together through connecting elements, enabling both simple manufacturing of individual components and high adaptability through various combination possibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-function prosthesis is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to accommodate additional functional units is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distal module incorporates a receiving unit designed to accept various functional units such as artificial fingernails, tools, or other attachments. This universal interface allows a single base module to serve multiple functions depending on which functional unit is attached, achieving high customization without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a modular design with detachable connections is implemented, then the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements incorporate self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically ensure proper engagement when modules are assembled. The design includes complementary geometric shapes (protrusions and recesses) that guide correct positioning and provide automatic mechanical locking, achieving both ease of operation and high connection reliability without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4464282A1Distal finger prosthesis module for a modular finger prosthesis
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 LANG DANIEL
  • EP4464282A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4464282A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4464282A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a distal finger prosthesis module (48) for a modular finger prosthesis (10) with a connecting element for detachably connecting the finger prosthesis module (48) to the modular finger prosthesis (10), and a receiving unit in an inner area and/or on a top side (62) of the distal finger prosthesis module (48) for detachably receiving a functional unit (50) to provide an additional function for a person wearing the modular finger prosthesis (10).