Prosthetic Foot Curved Split Blades Multi-Axial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic feet lack the ability to replicate the natural multi-axial movement and roll-over properties of a human foot, particularly on uneven surfaces, leading to instability and discomfort during walking.
Innovation Solution
The design of prosthetic feet with curved splits in both the upper and lower elements, allowing for independent movement and alignment of the blades to mimic the natural foot's function, providing enhanced roll-over capabilities and stability on various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic feet with straight slots are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to replicate natural multi-axial movement and roll-over properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot is divided into multiple independent blades separated by curved slots, allowing each blade to move independently. This segmentation enables multi-axial movement capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots separating the blades are curved rather than straight, following a arc-like path that mimics the natural roll-over motion of the human foot. This curvature enables the blades to move in a more natural multi-axial pattern, improving adaptability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional prosthetic feet are used, then the structure is stable, but the stability on uneven surfaces is insufficient due to lack of natural roll-over properties
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic foot incorporates dynamic elements through the curved slots that allow the blades to move relative to each other during the walking cycle. This dynamic movement replicates the natural roll-over properties of the human foot, providing better stability on uneven surfaces while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved configuration of the slots enables the blades to follow a natural arc-like motion path during walking, replicating the roll-over properties of the human foot. This curvature provides both stability on uneven surfaces and a natural walking sensation for the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foot portion and ankle portion are bifurcated into multiple side-by-side portions, then the ability to move independently is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot and ankle portions are segmented into multiple independent blades that can move relative to each other. This segmentation provides independent movement capability while using a modular approach that does not significantly increase overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple blades are combined within a single prosthetic foot structure, allowing them to function independently while being integrated into a unified design. This merging approach enables independent movement without creating separate complex components.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element (32) and a plate-like lower element (52) connected to the upper element (32). The plate-like upper element (32) can include a split (43) that separates the upper element (32) into a medial blade (48) and a lateral blade (49). A portion of the split (43) can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split (43) can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element (32). The plate-like lower element (52) can also include a similar curved split (53) that separates the lower element (52) into a medial blade (58) and a lateral blade (59). These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.