Prosthetic Finger Mounting With Longitudinal Guide and Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic fingers in existing prosthetic hands are difficult to mount and replace due to problematic mounting arrangements, sealing issues, and durability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic hand design featuring a longitudinal guide on the chassis with a clamping element that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of prosthetic fingers by blocking or unlocking translational degrees of freedom using a clamping element, which remains attached during disassembly, and incorporates a locking element for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hinge joint mounting is used, then the prosthetic fingers can be attached to the chassis, but the mounting and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a longitudinal guide structure that provides linear movement guidance, and a separate clamping element that provides securing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the clamping element can be displaced between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability enables quick attachment and detachment of prosthetic fingers without complex assembly procedures, directly improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If traditional hinge joint mounting is used, then the prosthetic fingers can be attached to the chassis, but sealing and durability become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the complex hinge joint mechanism and integrated into the longitudinal guide structure. By providing a dedicated sealing interface within the longitudinal guide, the system achieves reliable sealing without the complexity of sealing multiple moving parts in a traditional hinge joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal guide and clamping element are merged into an integrated mounting system that simultaneously provides guidance, sealing, and securing functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interfaces, thereby improving durability and sealing while reducing overall complexity.
3Strength
If multiple components are used for mounting, then the attachment can be secure, but the components can be lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is merged with the longitudinal guide structure, forming an integrated mounting mechanism. This ensures that the securing component cannot be lost during disassembly, as it remains attached to the chassis. The integrated design maintains strong attachment capability while simplifying the assembly and disassembly process.
4Strength
If a clamping element is added to block the third translational degree of freedom, then the prosthetic finger can be securely locked, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented as a separate clamping element that operates independently from the longitudinal guide. This segmentation allows the clamping element to be designed specifically for locking capability without complicating the guide structure, achieving strong locking with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to perform multiple functions: blocking the third translational degree of freedom, providing secure locking, and serving as a visible indicator of the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic hand with a chassis (20) and at least one base element (10) for fastening a prosthetic finger to the chassis (20), wherein a longitudinal guide for the base element (10) is arranged or formed on the chassis (20), the base element (10) being mounted in said longitudinal guide, wherein the longitudinal guide blocks two translational degrees of freedom and a clamping element (30) is assigned to the longitudinal guide, said clamping element being displaceably mounted in or on the chassis (20) or the base element (10) between a locking position and an unlocking position and effecting a blocking of the third translational degree of freedom in the locking position.