Prosthetic Joint Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic joints lack a simple and robust mechanism for selective adjustment of angular orientation, which is essential for accommodating individual user needs and varying activities, particularly in prosthetic feet and knees, where adjustability for heel height and stability under load is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic joint with a cam locking mechanism that includes a cylindrical chamber and at least one cam, actuated by springs or positioning members, allowing for intuitive locking and unlocking configurations, enabling adjustable orientation and stability through a few moving parts, reducing wear and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic valve-controlled multi-component joint is used, then functionality can be provided, but the mechanism becomes complex with many moving parts, reducing reliability and increasing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex hydraulic valve control system from the joint mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple cam-based mechanical locking mechanism that engages with the cylindrical chamber to provide the necessary locking and adjustment functionality with far fewer moving parts, directly resolving the contradiction between functionality and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic valve-controlled mechanical system with a purely mechanical cam-based locking system. The cam mechanism provides adjustable angular orientation and secure locking through mechanical engagement with the cylindrical chamber, eliminating the need for hydraulic components while maintaining adjustability and functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthetic joint is made adjustable for different orientations, then adaptability to user needs is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the cam can be positioned at different angular orientations within the cylindrical chamber to accommodate various user needs and activities. The cam locking mechanism allows the joint to be freely adjustable to different angular positions while maintaining a simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable angular orientation, secure locking in positioned configurations, and easy repositioning capability. This single mechanism handles all adjustment needs for different activities (walking, running, sitting) without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving high adaptability
3Reliability
If a simple mechanical locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but adjustability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be rotatable within the cylindrical chamber, allowing it to assume different angular positions to accommodate various activities and user preferences. This dynamic positioning capability provides extensive adjustability (different heel heights, foot orientations, knee angles) while the simple mechanical engagement maintains high reliability and resistance to wear
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is divided into separable components (cam, cylindrical chamber, attachment members) that can be independently adjusted and repositioned. The cam can be rotated to different segments or positions within the chamber to provide discrete adjustable orientations, maintaining both simplicity and adaptability
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 provides a cost-effective, robust, and adjustable prosthetic joint that can be adapted to various user preferences and activities, ensuring stability and flexibility in prosthetic feet and knees, matching natural foot orientations and accommodating different footwear and terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The prosthetic joint can include a fixation system disposed within the cylindrical chamber comprising at least one cam and at least one actuator
Implementation Method 2
The at least one actuator can be configured to move the at least one cam into or out of contact with the cylindrical chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic joint can include a first attachment member and a second attachment member coupled to the first attachment member. The second attachment member can include a cylindrical chamber. The prosthetic joint can include a fixation system disposed within the cylindrical chamber comprising at least one cam. The prosthetic joint can have an unlocked configuration, wherein in the unlocked configuration the first attachment member and the second attachment member can rotate relative to each other. The prosthetic joint can have a locked configuration, wherein in the locked configuration the first attachment member is substantially prevented from rotating relative to the second attachment member.