Orthotic Joint Locking Mechanism with Intermediate Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint technologies for orthotics are cumbersome to lock and unlock, often requiring precise angular adjustments that are difficult to set and maintain, leading to impractical and inaccurate locking positions.
Innovation Solution
A joint with a locking device that allows for simple, reproducible setting of a stop spread angle, enabling easy switching between locking, release, and angle-limiting positions using a bar and recess mechanism, with an intermediate disk and worm system for step-free adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin is used to lock the joint at certain angular positions, then the joint can be locked at specific angles, but the locking procedure becomes cumbersome and it is difficult to recognize the correct locking angle
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate disk with a recess is introduced as a mediator between the bar and the joint arms. The recess guides the bar into the correct angular position, serving as a visual and mechanical indicator that eliminates the difficulty of recognizing the correct locking angle while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate disk with its recess automatically guides the bar into the correct position when the joint is being locked. The system self-adjusts to the proper angular position through the geometric constraint of the recess, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures or external guidance mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holes are provided at intervals for pin insertion, then angular adjustment is possible, but intermediate settings between the predefined angles are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, discrete angular positioning (fixed holes at intervals) to a dynamic, continuous positioning capability. The intermediate disk can be rotated to any angular position, and the recess maintains its orientation relative to the joint arm, allowing the bar to lock at any angle rather than only at predefined intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular parameter of the joint locking position changes from discrete, fixed values to continuous, variable values. By allowing the intermediate disk to be rotated freely while maintaining the recess's geometric relationship, the system enables precise angular settings at any position rather than being constrained to predetermined angles.
3Ease of operation
If the pin is pulled out to release the joint, then the joint can be moved to a new position, but information about the previously set angle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate disk with its recess is pre-configured to maintain angular position information. When the bar is removed for release, the recess remains in the intermediate disk, preserving the memory of the previously set angle. This allows the user to quickly re-engage the bar at the same position without needing to recall or measure the original angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate disk serves as an information storage intermediary between the bar and the joint arm. It retains the angular position information in the form of the recess's orientation, allowing the system to 'remember' the previously set angle even when the bar is removed, thus preventing information loss during the release cycle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If disks are displaced by rotating a worm engaging in teeth, then the angular range can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and long-winded
Solution Approach 1:
The complex worm and teeth mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler system. The intermediate disk with recess provides angular range adjustment through direct geometric constraints rather than requiring multi-component mechanical transmission, significantly reducing the time and complexity of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate disk with recess automatically provides angular range adjustment through its geometric design. When the bar is engaged, the recess's position relative to the joint arm defines the angular range, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual adjustment mechanisms and allowing the system to self-adjust through simple bar insertion and removal.
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 quick, comfortable, and reproducible adjustment of the joint's locking position, maintaining the set stop spread angle and allowing for intuitive switching between locking and release positions without losing previously set angles.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made for an intermediate disk (3) which is mounted on the first joint arm (1) in a rotationally secure fashion and has a recess (6) and a stop (7), and a bar (8) arranged on the second joint arm (2) and which can be brought into the locking position by engagement into the recess (6)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint comprising a first joint arm (1) and a second joint arm (2), which is supported pivotally about a pivot axis (A) on the first joint arm (1) and with the first joint arm (1) encloses a spread angle (Φ), which is between a maximum spread angle (Φmax) and a minimum spread angle (Φmin), which is determined by the design of the joint. According to the invention, a locking device (15), which by moving a bar (8) can selectively be brought into a locking position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) are locked relative to each other, a release position, in which the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted freely relative to each other, and an angle limiting position, in which (i) the first joint arm (1) and the second joint arm (2) can be pivoted relative to each other up to a preset stop spread angle (ΦA) and (ii) a pivoting motion at larger spread angles (Φ) is blocked.