Orthopedic Joint Articulation With Independent Angle and Preload Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthopaedic joints require disassembly for adjusting the first engagement angle and preload, making it difficult to adapt to varying shoe heel heights without professional assistance.
Innovation Solution
A joint design with adjustable contact elements and prestressing mechanisms that allow independent adjustment of the first engagement angle and preload while the joint is mounted, using positive locking elements and channels for tool access, enabling easy adjustment by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the contact element is made adjustable by screwing it into the support, then the first engagement angle can be adjusted, but the joint must be disassembled for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into a base body and a separately adjustable contact element. The contact element can be independently adjusted relative to the base body through an adjustment channel, allowing the first engagement angle to be modified without disassembling the entire joint. This segmentation enables partial adjustment while the joint remains assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
An adjustment channel serves as an intermediary structure that provides tool access to the contact element. This channel allows a tool to engage with the contact element and modify its position without requiring disassembly of the joint, bridging the gap between the external tool and the internal adjustment mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the preload of the elastic element is adjusted by modifying the support structure, then the zero position can be changed, but the joint must be completely disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into adjustable components, specifically the contact element that can be independently positioned. This allows the preload and zero position to be adjusted by moving only the contact element along the adjustment channel, rather than disassembling and modifying the entire support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The contact element can be dynamically repositioned along the adjustment channel to change the preload and zero position, allowing the joint to adapt to different operational requirements without complete disassembly.
3Volume of moving object
If a stack of disc spring elements is used to achieve high spring force in small space, then installation space is reduced, but safety decreases in case of spring breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the spring system. The elastic element itself maintains the compact disc spring design for space efficiency, while the support structure provides enhanced local features such as adjustment channels and mounting mechanisms that improve overall reliability and adjustability without significantly increasing volume.
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 easy and user-friendly adjustment of the joint's parameters without disassembly, facilitating adaptation to different shoe heel heights and reducing the need for professional intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a second element pivotably arranged on the first element and pivotable in a direction from a first engagement angle between the first element and the second element against a force applied by the at least one elastic element
Implementation Method 2
Examples of usable elastic elements include coil springs, disc springs, or stacks of disc springs or coiled disc springs
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint (38) for an orthopedic device. The joint (38) has a first element (40), at least one elastic element (4) on a support (2) which is mounted on the first element (40), and a second element (44) which is pivotally arranged on the first element (40) and can be pivoted in one direction between the first element (40) and the second element (44) starting from a first engagement angle against a force applied by the at least one elastic element (4). According to the invention, the support (2) has a contact element (16) which rests against the second element (44) upon reaching the first engagement angle, and the contact element (16) can be adjusted when the joint (38) is assembled such that the first engagement angle and the bias of the elastic element (4) can be set independently of each other.