Pivotable Prosthesis Cosmetic Element for Removable Joint Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic cosmetics do not adequately cover the joint area, leading to issues such as soiling, resistance during joint movement, and difficulty in quick removal or replacement, while also failing to maintain a natural appearance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a prosthetic cosmetic device with pivotable frame parts that include a first and second frame part, each with fastening devices, a rotating element, and an actuating mechanism, allowing for adjustment and coverage over the joint area without compromising handling, and featuring a textile cover for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If foam cosmetics are used to cover the prosthesis, then a skin-like appearance is achieved, but the foam becomes soiled and creates resistance during joint movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic cover is divided into multiple segments corresponding to different prosthetic components (socket, joint, lower leg tube). Each segment can be independently attached and removed, allowing the cover to be segmented into modular units that can be cleaned or replaced separately, thus addressing the soiling issue while maintaining the skin-like appearance.
2Shape
If cosmetic skins are shrunk or glued onto foam, then coverage is achieved, but quick removal or replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static (glued) to dynamic (removable). The cosmetic cover incorporates fastening elements that allow it to be securely attached during use but easily removed when needed, enabling quick replacement while maintaining effective coverage of the prosthesis.
3Shape
If prosthetic cosmetics extend over the joint area, then seamless coverage is achieved, but mechanical forces on the prosthesis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic cover is designed with varying properties in different regions. Over the joint area, the cover uses lighter, more flexible materials with reduced structural support to minimize mechanical forces, while maintaining the skin-like appearance. The fastening devices are strategically positioned to provide support where needed without adding excessive force to the joint.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating element is added for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating element is designed as a spherical or barrel-shaped head region that rotates within a corresponding cavity. This simple curved geometry provides multi-directional adjustment capability without requiring complex mechanical linkages, gears, or actuators, thus improving adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthesis cosmetic element (1) for a prosthesis (10) comprising a prosthesis joint (2) which has an upper part (3) and a lower part (4) that is mounted thereon in a pivotal manner about a pivot axis (5). The prosthesis cosmetic element (1) has a first frame part (21), which has at least one first securing device (9) for fixing on the lower part (4), and a second frame part (22) with at least one second securing device (225, 226) for securing on the upper part (3). The frame parts (21, 22) are mounted in a pivotal manner relative to each other, and the prosthesis joint is equipped with a rotational element (224) on which an actuating element (2241) is arranged, said actuating element being accessible from the outside by a frame part (228) or through a frame part (22).