Prosthetic Running Blade with Deployable Heel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic foot designs are limited to either running or walking configurations, requiring amputees to change or modify their prosthesis when switching between activities, leading to imbalance and discomfort during non-optimal usage.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic running blade with a deployable and stowable heel attachment that can be manually shifted between running and walking configurations without tools, allowing for efficient conversion between the two modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional running blade design is used, then running performance is optimized, but walking comfort and stability deteriorate due to imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The heel attachment is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, transitioning between a deployed state for walking (providing stability and comfort) and a stowed state for running (maintaining optimal running blade performance). This dynamic adaptation allows the prosthesis to optimize performance for each activity mode without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis is segmented into a running blade component and a separate heel attachment component. This segmentation allows the heel attachment to be independently positioned - deployed during walking to provide stability, and stowed during running to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and proper blade mechanics
2Reliability
If separate prosthetics are used for running and walking, then optimal performance for each activity is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to needing to change or modify prosthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The running blade is designed with universal functionality to perform both running and walking activities by incorporating a multi-position heel attachment. This single prosthesis replaces the need for separate running and walking prosthetics, reducing device complexity while maintaining optimal performance for both activities through the adjustable heel configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-functional prosthetic is used, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The heel attachment is designed to nest against the running blade when in the stowed position. This nesting configuration minimizes the overall profile and reduces the perceived complexity of the prosthesis when in running mode, while still providing the adaptability to deploy the heel attachment when walking is required
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a convertible prosthetic running blade having an adjustable, shiftable heel that can be stowed when running and deployed when walking. The shifting can be performed manually and easily by the wearer without the use of tools. The prosthetic running blade generally comprises a foot body having a toe end and an opposing heel end, and a heel attachment adjacent the heel end, which is shiftable from a running position to a walking position. The foot body is generally in the form of an elongated running blade design, which may have similar shape and construction as traditional c-shape or j-shape running blades, although other shapes and constructions may also be used.