Prosthetic Sport Foot Alignment Adapter Using Pyramid Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic sport feet alignment methods are inefficient, requiring frequent disassembly and drilling of holes, which can weaken the laminate and limit angular adjustments, leading to increased time and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A temporary alignment adapter system comprising a male pyramid plate, a female connector plate, and a back plate, clamped around the prosthetic foot using fasteners that extend alongside, allowing for adjustable alignment without drilling through the foot, and later replaced with a laminated plate for normal use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If alignment wedges are used to adjust foot alignment, then angular adjustment is possible, but the device requires disassembly and has limited adjustment range due to pre-set angles
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment adapter is divided into separate components: a socket plate, a foot plate, and multiple interchangeable alignment blocks. This segmentation allows the prosthetist to adjust alignment by simply changing blocks rather than disassembling the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment adapter serves multiple functions: it provides angular adjustment through different block orientations, adjusts foot height through block selection, and maintains structural integrity during alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new holes are drilled through the foot plate to adjust height, then height adjustment is achieved, but the laminate is weakened and the foot may need to be scrapped
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment blocks serve as intermediary components between the foot plate and socket plate. By placing blocks in different positions and orientations, height adjustment is achieved without drilling holes through the foot plate laminate, preserving its structural strength while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment blocks are simple, replaceable components that can be easily swapped during adjustment. This approach treats the adjustment mechanism as a temporary, low-cost solution that doesn't permanently modify the expensive prosthetic foot, allowing adjustments without compromising the foot's integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional alignment methods are used, then alignment adjustments can be made, but the process is time-consuming and results in material waste
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alignment blocks with different angles and heights are prepared in advance. The prosthetist can quickly select and install the appropriate block for the desired alignment without time-consuming drilling or custom fabrication, maintaining precision while significantly improving adjustment speed and reducing material waste.
4Strength
If fasteners extend through the prosthetic foot to secure plates, then secure attachment is achieved, but the foot structure is compromised and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending fasteners through the foot from the outside, the design inverts the approach by having the socket plate and foot plate clamp around the foot with fasteners that secure the plates to each other rather than penetrating the foot itself. This maintains attachment security while preserving foot structure and minimizing weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as panning feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.