Prosthetic Ankle Assembly Heel Height Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ankle-foot prosthetic devices are limited by their inability to easily accommodate shoes of varying heel heights, requiring manual alignment changes and being restricted to a narrow range of heel heights, which affects user mobility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An ankle assembly with a resilient joint subassembly and endoskeletal connector that allows pivotal movement within a prosthetic foot receptacle, enabling easy adaptation to different heel heights without user alignment, using springs to store and release energy for biomimetic roll-over shape during walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current prosthetic feet are designed for a single heel height, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to different shoes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic alignment system where the prosthetic foot can pivot relative to the ankle assembly through a heel-height adjustment mechanism. This allows the foot to dynamically adapt to different heel heights while maintaining proper alignment, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing precision and variable adaptability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic system is divided into separable components: an ankle assembly and a prosthetic foot that can be independently adjusted. The adjustment mechanism includes discrete positioning elements that allow the foot to be segmented into multiple heel-height configurations, enabling both precision manufacturing and versatile adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heel-height adjustable prosthetic feet are designed, then adaptability to different shoes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-operable without requiring professional alignment services. The system includes user-accessible adjustment elements that allow the amputee to independently modify heel height settings, eliminating the need for complex professional alignment procedures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-based adjustment where the heel height is modified by changing the angular orientation parameter of the foot relative to the ankle. This single-parameter adjustment approach simplifies the mechanism compared to multi-degree-of-freedom systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment changes are required, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own alignment adjustments without requiring manual intervention from professionals. The adjustment mechanism includes user-friendly interfaces such as adjustable links and positioning elements that can be easily modified by the amputee themselves, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic foot is pre-configured with multiple adjustment positions and alignment markers during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows users to quickly make precise adjustments by simply selecting from pre-established configurations, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and improving ease of operation.
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 seamless transition between shoes of different heel heights, providing natural roll-over shape and improved mobility by allowing the ankle assembly to adjust to various heel heights without the need for user intervention, enhancing user comfort and reducing alignment complexities.
Implementation Method 1
using springs to store and release energy for biomimetic roll-over shape during walking
Implementation Method 2
the resilient joint subassembly can be configured to apply a return force to urge the endoskeletal connector toward the start position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accommodating quick and easy exchange of footwear for lower limb amputees. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.