Prosthetic Conical Attachment Mechanism for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic devices are often awkward, expensive, and difficult to use, particularly in terms of attachment and detachment, which can lead to improper adjustments and inconvenience in daily activities, such as dressing and shoe changes, and do not accommodate different types of footwear or heel heights.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device comprising an upper member and a lower member with a conical terminating section that fits into a conical void, allowing for easy release and reattachment, weight distribution, and compatibility with various shoe types, featuring a self-aligning mechanism and quick-release button for single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing prosthetic devices use rigid attachment mechanisms, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (difficult to remove with one hand)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can be easily changed between locked and unlocked states. The spring-loaded locking arms can automatically engage to provide stable connection, or be released by squeezing the release buttons to allow easy detachment, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic device incorporates self-aligning features including conical surfaces that automatically guide the lower member into proper alignment with the upper member during attachment, and self-adjusting locking arms that automatically engage with the locking surfaces. This eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing prosthetic devices use fixed configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates (do not accommodate different types of footwear or heel heights)
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is divided into separable upper and lower members that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The lower member can be detached and replaced with different configurations to accommodate various footwear types and heel heights, while the upper member remains standardized. This segmentation allows both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper member is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of lower members through standardized conical attachment mechanisms. This allows a single upper member to work with various shoe types, heel heights, and user requirements, providing multi-functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity of individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing prosthetic devices use complex adjustment mechanisms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases (involve tools to adjust components)
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-aligning conical surfaces and self-adjusting locking mechanisms that automatically adapt to different lower member configurations. The spring-loaded locking arms automatically adjust their engagement position based on the inserted lower member, eliminating the need for manual tool-based adjustments while maintaining adaptability for different heel heights and shoe types.
4Measurement precision
If existing prosthetic devices require two-handed operation, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (cannot be operated with one hand)
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted and concentrated into compact release buttons positioned on the outer surface of the upper member. These buttons can be easily accessed and operated with one hand, allowing the user to detach the lower member even when wearing gloves or when one hand is occupied with other tasks such as holding clothing or carrying items.
Data Source
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AI summary
A prosthetic device comprising an upper member, and a lower member having a conical terminating section, the conical terminating section fitting into a conical void defined in the upper member. A prosthetic device kit, comprising an upper member and a number of lower members each having a conical terminating section in which the conical terminating sections of each lower member fit into a conical void defined in the upper member.