Prosthetic Foot Radial Blade Deflection for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic limbs lack adequate stability and versatility for various activities, as they are not designed to provide comprehensive support and flexibility for different uses and user characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic foot design featuring a truncated pentagonal pyramid connecting element with radially arranged blades, each with distinct portions for attachment and deflection, providing adjustable support and stability through a retaining element and cap configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current prosthetic limb designs are used, then basic mobility is provided, but stability and versatility for various activities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot is divided into multiple independent blades (typically 3-5 blades) arranged radially around a central axis. Each blade can deflect independently based on the forces applied, allowing the structure to adapt to different activity requirements while maintaining overall stability through the collective arrangement of all blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The blades are designed with varying degrees of flexibility and deflection capabilities. The proximal portion of each blade is more rigid for structural support, while the distal portion is more flexible to allow natural foot-like movement. This dynamic structure enables the prosthetic to provide stability during standing while allowing versatility during walking, running, or other activities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support structure is used, then stability is provided, but adjustability for different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blades are pre-configured with specific geometric shapes, thickness variations, and material properties during manufacturing to provide predetermined deflection characteristics. The proximal portion has greater thickness for rigidity, while the distal portion has reduced thickness for flexibility. This preliminary configuration allows the structure to be adjustable for different users without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for variation in blade parameters such as length, thickness, curvature radius, and material composition to match different user requirements. By changing these physical parameters during the design and manufacturing stage, the prosthetic can be customized for different activities and user characteristics without adding operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If uniform blade structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different activities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each blade is designed with non-uniform properties along its length: the proximal portion has greater thickness and rigidity for structural support, while the distal portion has reduced thickness for flexibility and natural deflection. This local variation in quality allows the blade to perform multiple functions (support and movement) within a single component, providing activity adaptability while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through consistent geometric progression along the blade length.
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
The prosthetic foot offers enhanced stability and adaptability for diverse activities by allowing adjustable deflection and support, accommodating different user needs and uses through customizable blade lengths and materials.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of blades includes a proximal portion coupled with the cap, a middle portion coupled with the retaining element and a distal portion extending outwardly from the retaining element
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic foot includes a cap, a retaining element and a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes a proximal portion coupled with the cap, a middle portion coupled with the retaining element and a distal portion extending outwardly from the retaining element.