Tool-Free Prosthetic Coupling with Asymmetric Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for prostheses are cumbersome and time-consuming to connect and disconnect, often requiring tools, and they suffer from play that causes discomfort and noise during use, while also being incompatible with cosmetic covers that impede access to the disengaging mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device design that allows connection and disconnection without tools, featuring a first coupling part with a female member and a second coupling part with a male member, where the connection can be made and broken even when enclosed in cosmetics, with a locking mechanism that minimizes play and includes attachment devices for cosmetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling devices are used, then connection strength is sufficient, but connection and disconnection require tools and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables the user to connect and disconnect the prosthesis using only hand power without requiring any tools. The release mechanism is designed to be actuated manually, allowing the user to quickly disconnect the coupling by pressing a release element that triggers the disengagement of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a first coupling part connected to the prosthesis, a second coupling part connected to the limb, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the release mechanism to be independently actuated without affecting the overall structural integrity during connection and disconnection operations.
2Reliability
If traditional coupling devices are used, then locking mechanism provides secure connection, but play exists between coupling parts causing discomfort and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The male member features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape (such as square, rectangular, or D-shaped) that does not match a circular female member. This asymmetric geometry eliminates radial play and ensures precise alignment between the coupling parts, preventing unwanted movements, discomfort, and clicking noises during use.
3Ease of operation
If coupling mechanism is made accessible, then connection and disconnection are easy, but cosmetics cannot provide natural appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is nested within the cosmetic cover structure. The cosmetic cover includes an integrated release element that allows the user to actuate the release mechanism from the outside without removing the cosmetic cover. This nesting approach maintains the natural appearance of the cosmetic cover while providing easy access to the release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic cover acts as an intermediary structure that transmits the user's manual input to the release mechanism. The release element in the cosmetic cover is mechanically linked to the internal release mechanism, allowing the user to disengage the coupling without directly accessing internal components or removing the cosmetic cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device, for connecting at least one first prosthetic part with at least one second prosthetic part of which at least one of the prosthetic parts is provided with, alternatively is suitable to be provided with, cosmetics. The coupling device comprises at least one first coupling part and at least one second coupling part which are suitable for connection to each other and in a connected position are temporarily locked to each other with at least one locking device. The coupling parts are disengaged from each other with at least one disengaging device. The first coupling part comprises at least one first holder for cosmetics and the second coupling part comprises at least one second holder for cosmetics. The cosmetics are attached to, alternatively integrated with, at least one of the first holder for cosmetics and the second holder for cosmetics.