Prosthetic Terminal Device Multi-Grasp Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prosthetic devices with high functional capabilities are often complex and costly, making them economically unfeasible for mass production and unsuitable for individuals seeking simpler, cost-effective alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic terminal device with a simple structure comprising a passive and active element, utilizing manual and myoelectric control to achieve multiple grasp positions through a combination of manual rotation and motor-driven articulated joints, reducing the need for complex control circuitry and numerous components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple active and articulable finger-like projections are used to restore hand-like capabilities, then functional capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthetic terminal device is divided into a passive element with multiple finger-like projections and an active element with a single articulated joint. This segmentation allows the passive element to provide structural framework and multiple grasp positions while the active element provides controlled movement, reducing overall complexity compared to having multiple active joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive element serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the prosthetic hand, enables multiple grasp positions through its geometry, and works in conjunction with the active element to provide both precision and power grasping capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple active and articulable finger-like projections are used to restore hand-like capabilities, then functional capabilities are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the passive element (with multiple finger-like projections) from the active element (with single articulated joint), the manufacturing process can be simplified. The passive element can be pre-fabricated with multiple grasp positions built into its geometry, reducing the need for complex assembly operations and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of joint quantity from multiple active joints to a single active joint combined with a passive multi-position element. This parameter change reduces the number of motor operators and control circuitry needed, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If complex control circuitry and numerous motor operated articulated joints are used, then hand-like capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand-like capabilitiesVSAvoidcontrol circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the multi-position capability from the active control system and incorporates it into the passive element's geometry. This allows the prosthetic hand to achieve multiple grasp positions without requiring multiple motor operators or complex control circuitry, as the passive element's structure inherently provides the positional variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple active joints to achieve different grasp positions, the invention inverts the approach by using a single active joint combined with a passive element that has multiple fixed orientation positions. This inversion reduces control circuitry complexity while maintaining the ability to perform various grasping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables a high functioning prosthetic device with a range of grasp options using fewer components and simpler control mechanisms, providing cost-effective and versatile hand-like capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

capable of being manipulated using a combination of manual and myoelectric controlled operations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMyoelectric control:

Data Source

PatentUS8920519B2Multiple grasp prosthetic terminal device

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A prosthetic terminal device includes a wrist interface portion, a passive element and an active element. The passive element includes at least two finger-like projections extending from a base in a direction substantially away from the wrist interface portion. The passive element is fixed in relation to the wrist interface portion. The active element is configured to be positioned relative to the passive element and the wrist interface portion to achieve a plurality of grasp positions of the prosthetic terminal device based on one dimension of closure control of the active element in combination with a plurality of different fixable orientation positions of the active element. Each of the different fixable orientation positions is associated with at least one grasp position and at least one of the fixable orientation positions is associated with at least two grasp positions.