Segmented Prosthetic Arm Assembly for Two-Axis Compound Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic arms have limited movement capabilities, particularly for individuals who have lost their entire arm from shoulder to hand, and provide limited degrees of freedom, making finer tasks difficult.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a compound motion assembly that allows two-axis compound motion through a predetermined path, featuring a motorized drive system and a safety mechanism, enabling improved range of motion, tactile capabilities, and comfort, with independently moving fingers for precise tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing prosthetic arm designs are used, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the range of motion and degrees of freedom are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic arm is divided into multiple independent segments (shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and individual fingers) that can move independently. Each segment has its own actuation system, allowing for multi-axis compound motion while maintaining modular construction that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces compound motion capabilities by adding multiple degrees of freedom at each joint. The shoulder joint provides both elevation/ depression motion and abduction/ adduction motion simultaneously, creating two-axis compound motion that expands the operational space beyond single-plane movement.
2Measurement precision
If existing prosthetic hand designs are used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but finer tasks cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic hand is segmented into five independently actuated fingers, each capable of individual motion. This segmentation allows for precise control of each digit to perform fine motor tasks while maintaining a modular structure that simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand structure incorporates dynamic motion capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom at each finger joint, allowing for realistic and precise manipulation. The dynamic articulation enables complex grasping and manipulation tasks while the modular joint design facilitates manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. A prosthetic limb segment includes a housing having an input interface and an output interface, the output interface and the input interface being moveable with respect to one another, a motorized drive disposed within the housing, the motorized drive effecting movement of at least one of the output interface or the input interface, and a controller disposed within the housing for controlling actuation of the motorized drive. The controller may be configured to communicate with at least a second motorized drive of at least a second prosthetic limb segment to control actuation thereof.