Modular 3D Printed Prosthetic Limb Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic limbs are not readily available to individuals in remote or developing areas due to high costs and the need for custom fitting, and existing models require complete replacement if a single component fails.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular, three-dimensionally printed prosthetic limbs that can be customized in length and feature interchangeable components, allowing for cost-effective production and repair by adding or replacing individual elements rather than the entire prosthetic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional prosthetic limbs are manufactured with custom fitting procedures, then the prosthetic limb achieves proper fit and alignment for the user, but the cost and time required to make the prosthetic available increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring modular prosthetic components with standardized connection interfaces and pre-determined geometric parameters. The prosthetic limb is designed with interchangeable modules that can be assembled without extensive custom fitting procedures, as the modules are manufactured with precise predetermined dimensions that facilitate direct assembly and proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing adjustment of geometric parameters such as length, angle, and configuration of prosthetic segments. The modular design enables modification of these parameters through selective assembly of different module combinations, allowing customization of the prosthetic limb to match user requirements without requiring complete custom manufacturing.
2Strength
If conventional prosthetic limbs are designed as integrated units, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the entire prosthetic must be replaced if a single component fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prosthetic limb into multiple independent modular segments that can function as separate units. Each module is designed with standardized connection interfaces that maintain structural integrity when assembled, while allowing individual modules to be replaced without affecting the overall structure. This enables replacement of only the failed component rather than the entire prosthetic limb.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by enabling replacement of individual failed modules while retaining and reusing functional modules. The standardized interfaces allow damaged segments to be discarded and replaced with new or refurbished modules, recovering the value of working components and reducing the need for complete prosthetic replacement.
3Ease of operation
If sophisticated prosthetic models are manufactured to provide good adjustment and fit, then the prosthetic adjusts well to the user, but the manufacturing and customization costs become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing modular components with standardized interfaces that can be used across multiple prosthetic configurations. The same basic modules can serve different functions and be combined in various arrangements to accommodate different user needs, eliminating the need for completely different custom-designed prosthetics for each application and significantly reducing manufacturing and customization costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic appendage for attachment to an outer extremity of an amputated limb that is composed of modular elements fabricated by three-dimensional printing. In one embodiment the prosthetic appendage is a leg. The prosthetic leg includes a foot portion and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed limb elements. One of the plurality of limb elements is pivotally coupled to the foot portion and another of the limb elements is configured at one end to receive the outer extremity of the amputated leg. In another embodiment of the present invention the prosthetic appendage is a hand. The prosthetic hand includes a wrist element with one end configured to receive the outer extremity of an amputated hand, a base portion attached to the wrist element and a plurality of modular and three-dimensionally printed finger elements selectively coupled to adjacent finger elements or the base to form prosthetic fingers.