Hinge Joint System with Overrunning Clutch for Prosthetic Gait
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic and orthotic devices with hinge joint systems face challenges in providing smooth, continuous movement without backlash and efficient energy management, particularly in propulsive bionic types, leading to user fatigue and inadequate adaptation to varying walking conditions.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic or orthotic device with a movement controlling mechanism (MCM) that includes biasing means to allow torque or force transmission in one direction while allowing free movement in the opposite direction, using an overrunning clutch assembly and resetting means to ensure seamless operation and energy efficiency, mimicking natural gait and adapting to different slopes and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a movement controlling mechanism is used to control rotational movement between members, then the adaptability to different walking conditions is improved, but backlash and discontinuous movement occur reducing operational smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate elements (such as springs or dampers) between the first and second members to mediate the rotational movement. These intermediate elements absorb shocks, eliminate backlash, and ensure continuous movement while allowing the mechanism to adapt to different walking conditions smoothly.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement controlling mechanism dynamically adjusts parameters such as stiffness, damping, or clearance based on the operational state. This allows the system to maintain smooth operation across different walking conditions by changing mechanical parameters in real-time.
2Power
If heavy actuators are used to provide necessary power for propulsion, then the power output is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanisms that store and release energy during the gait cycle. Energy-storing elements like springs capture work during the swing phase and release it during stance phase, reducing the need for heavy continuous actuators while maintaining necessary power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy from the gait cycle by capturing work during certain phases (swing) and storing it for use during other phases (stance). This energy recovery reduces the net power requirement, allowing lighter actuators compared to systems that continuously generate power.
3Loss of energy
If passive energy-storing-and-returning prosthetic feet are used, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different walking slopes and surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that automatically adapt the energy-storing characteristics to match different walking conditions. The system maintains energy efficiency by storing and returning energy while adapting to varying slopes and surfaces through real-time mechanical adjustments.
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 solution enables a smooth, continuous, and energy-efficient operation of the prosthetic or orthotic device, reducing user fatigue and enhancing adaptability to various walking conditions by effectively managing energy and eliminating backlash, thus providing a more natural gait experience.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means which act on the first or second MCM part and which, in a contacting mode of operation of the MCM, bias the intermediate elements against the other of the first and second MCM part
Implementation Method 2
the MCM is such that, in a contacting mode, on the one hand, when a relative torque or force is applied between the first and second member in a blocking sense the one or more intermediate elements allows or allow transmission of torque or force between the first and second MCM parts
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis or orthosis having a movement controlling mechanism (MCM) including a first MCM part, a second MCM part and one or more intermediate elements and biasing mechanism which, in a contacting mode of operation of the MCM, bias the intermediate elements against a MCM part. When a relative torque or force is applied in a blocking sense (U) transmission of torque is allowed and, on the other hand, when a torque or force is applied in the opposite sense (V) non-blocking relative movement is allowed.