Orthotic Ratchet Interface for Stable Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthotic systems for individuals with partial or complete loss of hand function are often poorly adapted, expensive, and restrictive, failing to provide a comfortable and intuitive way to transfer load forces from objects to the forearm, limiting the use of different types of crutches and activities.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet system with complementary serrations that allow for a positive locking mechanism between two parts, enabling repeatable connection and disconnection, and a modular design that can be integrated into orthotic accessories to facilitate load transfer and adapt to different activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing orthotic systems are used, then load transfer function is provided, but the system becomes expensive and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic system is divided into modular components: a forearm interface element with first serrations, a connection element with second serrations, and an object holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables easy assembly/disassembly while maintaining reliable load transfer through the serrated connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element with second serrations can be attached to different object holders (crutches, walking aids, exercise equipment), making the same basic orthotic system versatile enough to support multiple functions and activities. The standardized serrated interface enables universal compatibility across different applications.
2Reliability
If existing orthotic systems are used, then load transfer is enabled, but adaptability to different activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic system uses standardized serrated connection interfaces that allow the same forearm interface element to connect to various object holders designed for different activities (crutches, walking aids, exercise equipment). This enables one core component to serve multiple functions across different应用场景.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism with serrations provides a dynamic connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The insertion element can be slid into the retainer along a slide-in direction and locked when serrations interlock, then easily released by applying force to a release element, allowing quick adaptation between different activities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connection mechanisms are used, then connection stability is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction of serrations. When the insertion element is slid into the retainer, the serrations automatically interlock to provide stable connection without requiring additional locking actions. The release mechanism is similarly simple, requiring only force applied to the release element to disengage the serrations.
4Reliability
If robust connection systems are used, then load transfer reliability is improved, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robust serrated connection mechanism is applied only at the critical load transfer interfaces (between forearm interface element and connection element, and between connection element and object holder), while the rest of the components remain lightweight. This localized application of mechanical strength provides reliable load transfer without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A ratchet system comprises a first part equipped with a first serration and a second part equipped with a second serration. The serrations comprise serration elements that are at least partially complementary in terms of shape, number, and/or size. The first part has a retainer with an insertion opening and is equipped with the first serration. The second part has an insertion element equipped with the second serration. After insertion of the insertion element through the insertion opening along a slide-in direction into the retainer, the two serrations can interlock and can block at least one translational degree of freedom of the insertion element along the slide-in direction with respect to the retainer. The first serration and second serration comprise a set of teeth, respectively. An orthotic system comprising the ratchet system and an orthotic accessory is also described.