Single-Sided Prosthetic Knee with Actuated Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knee joint prostheses are heavy, inconveniently large, and difficult to control, especially for amputees with longer residual limbs, as they require significant energy to move and often result in unnatural gait due to their weight and design, making tasks like stair climbing and natural movement challenging.
Innovation Solution
A knee joint prosthesis with a single-sided support and an actuator positioned above the connection means, powered by an electric motor, which allows for precise control and energy efficiency, enabling a more natural gait and easier movement by minimizing weight and size, and incorporating a split cosmetic shell to reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional knee joint prostheses are used with dual-sided support structure, then stability and load bearing are improved, but weight and size increase making the prosthesis inconvenient and distorting posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a traditional dual-sided support structure to a single-sided support structure. The support element is positioned asymmetrically on one side of the knee joint prosthesis, eliminating the need for symmetric dual-sided support while maintaining stability through strategic placement and design of the single support element.
2Ease of operation
If knee joint prosthesis is positioned correctly for short residual limbs, then anatomical correctness is improved, but it creates height difference and looks unnatural for amputees with long residual limbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support element movable rather than fixed. The support element can adjust its position along the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis, allowing it to move proximally or distally. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same prosthesis to be correctly positioned for both short and long residual limbs, eliminating the height difference issue while maintaining anatomical correctness.
3Strength
If heavy materials and robust structure are used for knee joint prosthesis, then strength and durability are improved, but energy expenditure increases and natural gait is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratio properties. The prosthesis structure uses composite material construction that maintains necessary strength and durability while significantly reducing overall weight, thereby lowering energy expenditure during movement and enabling more natural gait patterns.
4Device complexity
If friction-reducing measures are not taken, then structural simplicity is maintained, but clothes get stuck and can break causing poor function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by incorporating a cosmetic shell that serves as a low-friction interface between the prosthesis and surrounding clothes. This thin film structure reduces friction and prevents clothes from getting stuck or breaking, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a knee joint for use in a lower limb prosthesis. The knee joint comprise an upper portion for connecting a custom socket and a proximal attachment, and a support comprising connecting means in its lower part for connecting a prosthetic limb. The support has at least one attachment arm on the medial or the lateral side of the knee joint prosthesis. An actuator is connected between a proximal attachment and the support and is adapted to pivot the upper portion relatively to the support. The actuator comprises a motor directly operatively connected to an axial displaceable shaft capable of changing angular velocity of the knee joint. An external control device can be used to control the knee joint.