Orthotic Clamping Interface for Secure Prosthesis Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective mechanisms to securely attach orthotic devices to prosthetic limbs, particularly for amputees with joint problems, ensuring ease of use, security, and adaptability to custom prosthetic shapes.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system using 3D scanning and CAD software to create a customized clamping interface that matches the prosthetic's surface topology, combined with adjustable tensioning mechanisms and high-friction materials for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional strapping and suspension mechanisms are used to attach orthotic devices to prosthetic limbs, then the device can be easily applied, but the attachment is not secure and allows migration from the desired position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidapplication ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system is divided into multiple segments including a clamping member with opposing clamping surfaces, and a suspension system with separate adjustable components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall security and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system incorporates adjustable tensioning mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the clamping force. The system can be tightened or loosened to maintain secure attachment while accommodating changes in limb circumference throughout the day, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure clamping mechanism is used to prevent migration, then the attachment becomes stable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping member serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping force to secure the orthotic to the prosthesis, contains friction-enhancing surfaces to prevent slippage, and integrates with the suspension system for adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of clamping force parameters through the suspension system's tensioning mechanisms. By changing the tension parameter, the user can optimize the balance between secure attachment and system simplicity for different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If custom-fitted clamping surfaces are used to match prosthetic shapes, then the attachment precision improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface conformityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping member features localized friction-enhancing surfaces at specific contact points with the prosthesis. Rather than requiring the entire surface to be custom-fitted, only the critical clamping surfaces are textured or shaped to match the prosthetic contour, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping surfaces are designed to replicate or conform to the general contour of the prosthetic socket. This copying approach allows for standardized manufacturing of the orthotic component while still achieving adequate surface conformity for secure attachment without requiring custom fabrication for each patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If high-friction materials are used to prevent slippage, then the attachment security improves, but the weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslip resistanceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

High-friction materials are applied only to the specific clamping surfaces where contact with the prosthesis occurs, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized application provides the necessary slip resistance at critical interfaces while minimizing the overall weight increase of the orthotic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping surfaces utilize composite material structures combining base materials with friction-enhancing surface treatments or coatings. This allows achieving high friction coefficients without significantly increasing the bulk material weight, as only thin surface layers are modified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Provides a strong, lightweight, and adjustable connection between orthotic devices and prosthetics, enhancing stability and functionality for amputees.

Implementation Method 1

provide the necessary force to prevent migration from the desired position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

incrementally increase in tightness around the socket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250281311A1Mechanism and method for donning orthotic device to prosthesis, limb, or joint

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 ICARUS MEDICAL LLC

AI summary

System for connecting an orthotic device to a prosthesis or limb.