Segmented Prosthetic Connecting Pin for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for prosthetic shafts and liners face challenges in compensating for slight misalignments and incorrect positioning, leading to suboptimal attachment, discomfort, and incorrect loading due to lack of flexibility and pressure stability.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring at least two rigid pin segments that can be displaced relative to each other, threaded onto a flexible guide element, with a tensioning member to ensure pressure stability and flexibility, allowing for pivoting and tilting to compensate for misalignment, and a magnetic insertion aid for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a completely flexible connecting pin is used to compensate for misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but pressure stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pin is divided into multiple rigid segments (at least two) that can move relative to each other along a flexible guide element. This segmentation allows the pin to compensate for misalignment through controlled movement of individual segments while maintaining overall structural integrity and pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting pin transitions from a completely flexible design to a dynamic rigid-segment design where segments can move relative to each other along a flexible guide. This dynamic configuration provides adaptability for misalignment compensation while the rigid segments maintain pressure stability during use.
2Ease of operation
If a ball joint is used to allow pivoting of the connecting pin, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single ball joint allowing uncontrolled pivoting, the connecting pin is segmented into rigid sections that move in a controlled manner along a flexible guide element. This segmentation restricts movement to specific degrees of freedom, maintaining positioning accuracy while still allowing necessary adjustment for misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible guide element acts as an intermediary between the rigid pin segments, allowing controlled movement and pivoting while maintaining manufacturing precision. The guide element mediates the movement, ensuring it occurs within acceptable tolerances for proper engagement with the receiving device.
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
The system provides secure and comfortable attachment by maintaining pressure stability while allowing for flexibility to correct misalignment, preventing rubbing and sore spots, and ensuring optimal fit and hold during use.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting pin comprises at least two rigid pin segments, which are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal direction of the connecting pin, i.e. from its first end to its second end, so as to be displaceable relative to one another
Implementation Method 2
with a tensioning member to ensure pressure stability and flexibility
Implementation Method 3
and a magnetic insertion aid for precise alignment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting system for detachably connecting a prosthesis shaft to a liner that has been pulled over a residual limb, said system comprising a connecting pin (2) and a receiving device (22) with a receiving portion (24) into which said connecting pin (2) can be introduced, and being characterised in that the connecting pin (2) comprises at least two rigid pin segments (14) arranged one behind the other, in a longitudinal direction of said connecting pin (2), such that they can be displaced relative to one another.