Prosthetic-to-liner attachment mechanism using magnetic fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic attachment mechanisms for partially amputated limbs are not sufficiently easy to use, reliable, accurate, or comfortable, and lack ease of removal and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic assembly using a sleeve with an attachment member featuring alternating face polarity magnetic fields, which includes a single magnet with diametrically opposite poles or circular groupings of magnets with axially oriented magnetic fields, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal by repelling forces when rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded bolts and nuts are used to attach the prosthesis to the sleeve, then the attachment is secure, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded bolt and nut system with a magnetic field-based attachment mechanism. Magnets embedded in the sleeve and corresponding magnetic elements in the prosthesis create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for threads and nuts while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the complex mechanical assembly and isolates it into discrete magnetic elements embedded within the sleeve and prosthesis structure. This separation allows the attachment mechanism to become inherent to the components rather than an added complexity.
2Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used, then attachment security may be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system replaces complex mechanical fastening operations with simple alignment and attachment actions. The user only needs to align the prosthesis with the sleeve, and the magnetic fields automatically secure the connection, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment mechanism is self-aligning and self-securing. When the prosthesis is brought near the sleeve, the magnetic fields automatically guide and secure the components together without requiring manual manipulation of fasteners or complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If threaded bolts are used for attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of removal and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic system allows for rapid attachment and detachment by simply bringing the components together or pulling them apart, eliminating the time-consuming process of threading and unthreading bolts while maintaining secure connection during use.
4Measurement precision
If accurate rotational orientation is required, then proper alignment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnetic pole arrangements (alternating north and south poles) on the magnetic elements. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique magnetic field pattern that naturally guides the prosthesis into the correct rotational orientation during attachment, providing accurate alignment without additional mechanical guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field configuration replaces mechanical alignment guides or indexing mechanisms with a field-based orientation system. The alternating pole patterns create magnetic attraction pathways that automatically orient the components correctly as they approach each other.
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
Provides a simple, secure, accurate, and cost-effective attachment mechanism that ensures proper rotational orientation and easy removal of the prosthesis by utilizing magnetic repulsion.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic fields of the corresponding attachment members are oriented on the prosthesis and the residual limb to achieve a predetermined appropriate rotational orientation between the prosthesis and the residual limb when the prosthesis is mounted on the residual limb
Implementation Method 2
a flexible member may be applied about the circumference of the prosthesis or about the circumference of the sleeve such that when the user wishes to remove the prosthesis he or she may simply pull upon the flexible member to rotate the attachment members with respect to each other, causing the attachment members to repel, thereby facilitating removal of the prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic assembly for a residual limb that includes a sleeve for attachment to a distal portion of the residual limb, where the attachment member has a diametrically oriented magnetic field, and a prosthesis with a socket for receiving the sleeve, where the prosthesis socket has a distal end with an attachment member having a corresponding diametrically oriented magnetic field. The diametrically oriented magnetic fields of the sleeve and prosthetic attachment members may be oriented on the prosthesis and the residual limb to achieve a predetermined rotational orientation between the prosthesis and the residual limb and will facilitate removal of the prosthesis with a twisting action.