Prosthesis Terminal Device Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic devices for amputees lack versatility and ease of attachment for a variety of tools, often being expensive and complex, with existing solutions not adequately addressing the need for enhanced mechanical attachment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a rotational and axial locking mechanism, featuring a locking ring, locking ball, and locking spring, allows for the attachment of various tools to an arm prosthesis, providing adaptable and secure coupling through a threaded locking collar and articulating clevis, enabling tools to be positioned in multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple threaded connection is used for tool attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ball is pre-positioned within the locking collar, and the locking spring is pre-compressed to exert continuous force on the locking ball. When a tool is inserted, the locking ball is automatically pushed into the locking groove by the spring force, providing secure attachment without requiring additional manual locking actions. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling both easy operation and reliable attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orientation attachment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for various tool positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating clevis connection between the locking collar and chassis base replaces a fixed rigid connection with a dynamic, movable joint. This allows the locking collar to rotate and articulate relative to the chassis base, enabling the attachment of tools in multiple orientations and positions. The dynamic nature of this connection provides adaptability for various tool positions while maintaining relatively simple mechanism complexity through the use of a single articulating joint rather than multiple adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device is described which is attachable to the end of a prosthesis on an arm and there serves as an attachment site for a variety of tools or implements designed to mate with the terminal device. A locking ring mechanism is also described herein. The terminal device comprises a first main part in operable and pivotal combination with a second main part, the combined main parts providing on one end a device for attaching to the end of an a prosthesis, and on the other a device for attaching a variety of implements, the said device for implement attachment providing articulation capabilities that allow positioning of the implements in a variety of positions relative to the position of the arm prosthesis. Among the implements which can be attached are for example: cutting tools (such as saws, files, knives, scrapers, and awls); various wrenches (such as open end wrenches, closed end wrenches, ratchet wrenches, adjustable wrenches, Allen wrenches, and pipe wrenches); and a variety of other implements such as spoons, scoops, spatulas, planes, brushes, sports equipment (e.g., fishing rods), and stirring devices.