Prosthetic Coupling with Ball-Lock Twist Release and Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic devices, particularly lower-extremity prosthetics, require secure and easy-to-use connections that support the patient's weight while allowing quick and secure attachment and detachment of multiple components, such as pylon shafts and prosthetic feet, to facilitate comfortable and efficient use.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic coupling device featuring a rotatable barrel, locking ring, and ball bearing mechanism that allows for quick and secure attachment and detachment of prosthetic components via a twist action, with visual indicators for locked/unlocked status, and a registration pin for proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used in prosthetic devices, then the connection may be secure, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a barrel portion with internal threading, a locking mechanism with ball bearings, and a detachable coupler. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses movable ball bearings that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. The ball bearings are spring-loaded and can be quickly shifted by rotating the barrel, allowing the connection state to change rapidly from secure to detached without complex manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If a quick-release mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability and security of the connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism includes visual indicators (colored bands or windows) that show the locked state before the user releases the component. This preliminary indication ensures the user is certain the connection is secure before detaching, preventing accidental releases while maintaining quick operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback through colored indicators that change appearance when the locking mechanism is engaged or disengaged. This feedback confirms to the user whether the connection is secure, allowing quick operation while eliminating ambiguity about connection status.
3Reliability
If multiple locking points are used, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel and locking mechanism serve multiple functions: they provide the locking action through ball bearings, enable quick release through rotation, and provide visual status indication through integrated colored bands. This multi-functionality achieves reliable locking without adding separate complexity for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system is merged with the locking mechanism itself rather than being a separate component. The colored bands are integrated into the barrel or locking housing, so the same structure that provides locking reliability also provides visual feedback, reducing overall device complexity.
4Strength
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the connection strength improves, but the ease of detachment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking strength is dynamic rather than static. The ball bearings provide strong locking force during normal use, but a small rotational motion of the barrel quickly shifts the ball bearings to an unlocked position. This dynamic transition allows strong connection during use while enabling easy detachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachment process uses a periodic rotational motion of the barrel that temporarily overcomes the locking force. This brief rotational action moves the ball bearings out of their locking positions, allowing the coupler to be removed, after which the mechanism naturally returns to its locked state if re-engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic coupling device includes an internal mount, a rotatable barrel formed around the internal mount, a locking ring formed between the internal mount and the rotatable barrel and mechanically affixed to the rotatable barrel, a horizontal ball bearing shaft formed through the internal mount housing a ball bearing set wherein the ball bearing set interfaces with the locking ring with the ball bearing set moving radially inward or outward based on the radial orientation of the locking ring and rotatable barrel, and a detachable coupler formed to fit within the mounting portion of the internal mount, the detachable coupler including a coupler detent formed on a radially external surface of the detachable coupler, wherein the ball bearing set interfaces with the coupler detent to lock the detachable coupler to the internal mount when the locking ring is radially oriented to move the ball bearing set radially inward.