Programmable Prosthetic Foot with Sensor-Actuated Vertical Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic feet are not adaptable for various activities and environmental conditions, requiring different prosthetic feet for different situations and failing to mimic the natural foot's movement adjustments based on terrain.
Innovation Solution
A programmable prosthetic foot with electronically adjustable heel and forefoot movements, controlled by a system comprising sensors, actuators, and an electronic controller that adjusts based on detected compressive forces to simulate natural foot movements for different activities and terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic feet are designed for routine day-to-day activities, then they are optimized for walking, but they are not optimized for performing more vigorous exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot incorporates dynamic components including a heel member with a heel shaft that can move vertically, a forefoot member with a forefoot shaft that can move vertically, and an ankle assembly with movable components. These dynamic elements allow the prosthetic foot to adapt its structure and movement characteristics based on activity requirements, transitioning from a static conventional design to a dynamically adjustable system that can optimize performance for different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic foot is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions across different activities. The control system receives input from sensors and adjusts the heel and forefoot movements accordingly, enabling the same prosthetic foot to function effectively for routine walking, vigorous exercise, and other activities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to switch between different activity-specific prosthetic feet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic feet have fixed heel and forefoot movements, then they are simple in structure, but they cannot adapt to different environmental conditions such as stairs or running
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot incorporates a control system that receives feedback from sensors detecting user input, ground reaction forces, and movement characteristics. This feedback loop enables the control system to continuously monitor the user's interaction with the prosthetic foot and adjust heel and forefoot movements in real-time based on detected terrain conditions and activity type, allowing adaptation to different environments such as flat surfaces, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical bonding or bolting of heel and forefoot components with an electronically controlled system. Instead of permanent mechanical connections, the system uses actuators and control mechanisms that can dynamically adjust the movement characteristics of the heel and forefoot members based on electronic signals from the control system, substituting rigid mechanical structures with programmable electronic control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic feet provide the same degree of heel and forefoot movement, then they are easy to manufacture, but they fail to mimic natural foot movements that vary with terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot is segmented into independent functional components: a heel member with its own shaft and movement characteristics, a forefoot member with its own shaft and movement characteristics, and an ankle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with specific properties optimized for its function, then assembled into a integrated system. The independent segments can move and adjust differently based on control system instructions, enabling natural foot movement patterns that vary with terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the prosthetic foot are given different movement characteristics and properties to mimic natural foot anatomy. The heel member and forefoot member have distinct shafts, movement ranges, and control parameters that reflect their different functions in natural locomotion. This local differentiation of qualities allows the prosthetic foot to replicate the complex, varied movements of a natural foot across different terrains and activities.
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 a single prosthetic foot to adapt to various activities and terrains, enhancing user mobility and comfort by independently controlling heel and forefoot movements, allowing for dynamic adjustments without the need for multiple prosthetic feet.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor on the foot detects compressive force on the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft during a step
Implementation Method 2
An actuator on the foot imparts vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable prosthetic foot includes a heel member simulating a heel portion of a human foot. The heel member has an elongated heel member shaft extending in a vertical direction. The foot also includes a forefoot member simulating a forefoot portion of a human foot. The forefoot member has an elongated forefoot member shaft extending in the vertical direction. A sensor on the foot detects compressive force on the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft during a step. An actuator on the foot imparts vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft. An electronic controller in operable communication with the actuator includes program instructions for operating the actuator by imparting the vertical translation to the heel member shaft and/or forefoot member shaft as a function of the compressive force detected by the sensor.