Prosthetic Foot Switching Adapter for Walking and Running Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prostheses are designed to function either for walking or running, requiring users to switch between two sets of prosthetics, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a switching adapter that includes a foot portion, a first member, a second member, and a third member interposed between them, along with a locking mechanism, allowing the device to be easily switched between walking and running modes by adjusting toe-in/toe-out, height, and anterior/posterior alignments through rotational mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prostheses are designed to focus on walking or running separately, then the prosthesis can provide optimized performance for that specific mode, but the user must use two sets of prostheses to switch between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates a multi-functional design with a switching adapter that includes a rotatable third member with different surface configurations. The adapter allows the same prosthesis to function in both walking mode (with first surface configuration) and running mode (with second surface configuration), eliminating the need for separate prosthetic sets for different activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching adapter features a rotatable third member that can dynamically change orientation between two positions. A locking mechanism allows the user to lock the third member in the first position for walking or in the second position for running, enabling dynamic adaptation of the prosthesis characteristics based on the user's activity needs.
2Ease of operation
If a single prosthesis is used for both walking and running, then convenience is improved, but the prosthesis must incorporate additional switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The switching adapter is designed as a segmented mechanism with distinct components: a first member, a second member, and a rotatable third member with a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the switching function to be isolated and operated independently, improving ease of use while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The third member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second members. By rotating this intermediate component and locking it in different positions, the user can switch between walking and running modes without directly manipulating the entire prosthesis structure, simplifying the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic foot includes a foot portion and a switching adapter. The switching adapter includes a first member coupled to the foot portion, a second member, a third member interposed between the first member and the second member, and a locking mechanism. The third member has a first side wall and a second side wall larger in length than the first side wall. The third member is configured to rotate relative to the first member and the second member towards a first position, thereby placing the prosthetic device in a walking mode. The third member is further configured to rotate relative to the first member and the second member towards a second position, thereby placing the prosthetic device in a running mode. The locking mechanism is configured to rotate with the third member in response to rotation of the third member.