Rotatable Prosthetic Socket With String-Actuated Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic devices are often expensive, uncomfortable, lack adjustable gripping magnitude, and fail to provide user control over device rotation and adaptability for various gripping attachments, making it difficult for arm amputees and individuals with congenital arm anomalies to perform tasks like touching, gripping, and repositioning objects.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable prosthetic gripping device with upper and lower sockets that are rotatable with respect to each other, featuring a socket connector for various attachments and a string mechanism to adjust gripping magnitude, allowing users to customize the device for different tasks and attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional prosthetic devices are used, then basic gripping function is provided, but adjustable gripping magnitude and adaptability for various attachments are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device employs a universal socket connector interface that can accommodate multiple different attachments including various gripping tools, prosthetic hands, and adaptive devices. This universal interface design allows the same base prosthetic structure to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attachment, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic device incorporates adjustable gripping magnitude through a tensioning mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the gripping force. The string or cable tensioning system enables users to modify the gripping strength according to different task requirements, transforming a static gripping device into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying operational needs
2Ease of operation
If fixed gripping magnitude is used, then device structure is simpler, but user control over gripping force is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device utilizes the user's own residual arm movements to control the gripping mechanism through a string or cable system. When the user moves their residual arm, the string tension changes automatically, which in turn adjusts the gripping force. This self-service mechanism allows intuitive user control without requiring external power sources or complex electronic controls
Solution Approach 2:
A string or cable acts as an intermediary element between the user's residual arm movement and the gripping mechanism. The string transmits the mechanical energy and control input from the user's arm to the attachment, enabling indirect but effective control of gripping magnitude while isolating the user from direct mechanical complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If user control over device rotation is not provided, then device structure is simpler, but adaptability for different orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device incorporates rotatable joints at the socket connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the device orientation. These rotatable joints enable users to change the angular position of attachments relative to the prosthetic arm, providing adaptability for different task orientations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical joint structure
4Ease of manufacture
If prosthetic devices are made more expensive, then material quality and comfort may improve, but cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic device is designed as a segmented modular system consisting of a base socket, connection interfaces, and interchangeable attachments. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using cost-effective methods, while the overall system provides reliable and comfortable functionality. The modular design also enables selective replacement of components based on wear or specific needs
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device is described for assisting amputees in touching, gripping, and repositioning various objects. In one example of the device of the present invention, the device has a first socket for receiving a portion of a residual arm below an elbow, and a second socket attached to and/or rotatable with respect to the first socket. The second socket may receive a portion of the residual arm above the elbow. Movement of the residual arm within the device may define movement of the device, such as, for example, gripping movement of a prosthetic hand of the device.