Prosthetic Wrist Coupling With Positive Locking and Waterproof Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic QWD connectors suffer from accidental release, lack of positive locking, and are not waterproof, posing risks to the user and damaging the prosthetic limb, while being complex and expensive to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic QWD connector design that is compact, provides positive locking, and includes a compliantly mounted rotary connector core for movement absorption and waterproof sealing, ensuring backwards compatibility with the industry standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard QWD connector is used for rotatable and removable prosthetic connection, then the prosthesis can be easily attached and detached, but the connector is prone to accidental release and lacks positive locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidrisk of accidental release

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detent mechanism is pre-configured with detent balls and detent surfaces that automatically engage when the prosthesis is inserted into the socket, providing positive locking without requiring additional user action. This preliminary engagement prevents accidental release while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically returns the connector to its locked position after detachment, and the detent mechanism self-engages upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual intervention to ensure proper locking and reducing the risk of accidental release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If a rigid rotary connector core is used for automated hand connection, then electrical signals can be conveyed, but the connector is susceptible to damage during insertion and lacks waterproof sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conduction for automated handVSAvoiddamage resistance during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible waterproof seal (O-ring or gasket) is installed around the rotary connector core, allowing the core to flex and deform during insertion without damage while maintaining waterproof sealing to protect electrical components from water ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A compliant mounting element (elastomeric or rubber material) is pre-installed between the rotary connector core and the socket coupling, providing cushioning and shock absorption during insertion to prevent damage to the rigid core while allowing necessary movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the rotary connector core is rigidly mounted to the socket coupling, then connection stability is improved, but the connector cannot absorb forces during coupling and is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidforce absorption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible waterproof seal surrounds the rotary connector core, providing both sealing and limited flexibility to absorb minor forces during coupling while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure combines rigid components (for stability) with compliant materials (elastomeric or rubber mounting elements), creating a composite assembly that provides both stable connection and force absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If complex molded rotary connector cores are used for precise connection, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate modular components (socket coupling, rotary connector core, waterproof seal, mounting elements) that can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes and assembled through straightforward procedures, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12575947B2Prosthesis coupling, a socket coupling, a rotary connector core and a compliant mounting element

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 TASKA PROSTHETICS LTD

AI summary

A rotatable and removable wrist connection for a prosthetic hand. A prosthesis coupling includes first and second ball race sections that may be moved together or apart to constrain ball bearings to an inner zone or an outer zone to allow the prosthesis coupling to be secured to or removed from a socket coupling. A socket coupling includes a socket body for receiving a wrist coupling having a rotary connector core extending from the socket body and compliantly mounted to the socket body.