Prosthesis Shaft Torque-Proof Base Part Angular Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current prosthetic solutions face challenges in adjusting the angular position of artificial limbs relative to the prosthesis socket, particularly in accommodating different patient preferences and ensuring secure attachment without misalignment.

Innovation Solution

The prosthesis socket features a torque-proof base part with an annular edge and a fixing device that allows axial force-driven angular adjustment of the fastening means, enabling easy rotation and secure locking of the artificial limb in a desired angular position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lock arrangement is firmly connected to the prosthesis socket, then the locking function is reliable, but the unlocking button cannot be repositioned to accommodate different patient preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidunlocking button positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lock arrangement is divided into separate components: the locking mechanism remains firmly connected to the prosthesis socket for reliability, while the unlocking button is made separable and repositionable on the outer surface, allowing different patients to position it according to their preference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking button transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic, repositionable component that can be moved to different locations on the outer surface of the prosthesis socket while maintaining its locking function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the artificial limb is angularly adjusted using an adjustment adapter, then the angular position can be changed, but misalignment with the rotation axis may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular adjustmentVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element acts as an intermediary between the adjustment adapter and the rotation axis, ensuring that the angular adjustment movement remains aligned with the rotation axis and preventing misalignment during the adjustment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the fastening device is screwed onto the outside of the distal end, then the artificial limb can be fastened, but a relatively large-volume construction is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening functionVSAvoidfastening device volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is merged with the distal end of the prosthesis socket by forming the base part integrally with the socket, eliminating the need for a separate externally screwed fastening device and reducing the overall volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2664303B1Prosthesis comprising a prosthesis shaft
Publication Date: 2015.03.04 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP2664303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2664303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2664303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The prosthesis has a prosthesis shaft (1) designed as a retainer of an amputation stump, where a distal end of the prosthesis shaft comprises a fastening device (3) for supporting an artificial limb. The fastening device comprises a planar base part (18) that is inserted into the distal end of the prosthesis shaft in a torque-proof manner. A longitudinal axis stands vertical to the base part and is rotatably positionable relative to the base part. An attaching unit for fastening of the artificial limb is lockable in an adjusted angular position relative to the base part by a fixing unit. : The planar base part is designed as a ring. The amputation stump is a lower leg amputation stump or a thigh amputation stump. USE : Prosthesis i.e. leg prosthesis, for a patient. ADVANTAGE : The fastening device comprises the planar base part that is inserted into the distal end of the prosthesis shaft in a torque-proof manner, and the attaching unit for fastening of the artificial limb is lockable in the adjusted angular position relative to the base part by the fixing unit, where the longitudinal axis stands vertical to the base part and is rotatably positionable relative to the base part, thus enabling improvement of the prosthesis with respect to adjustment options. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows an enlarged partial sectional view of a prosthesis shaft with a connection to 1 : Prosthesis shaft 3 : Fastening device 18 : Planar base part 20 : Counter plate 21, 22 : Axial stoppers.