Snap Fastener Liner Attachment for Prosthetic Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liner attachment systems for orthopedic and prosthetic devices, such as those using hook and loop fasteners, are imprecise, weak, and difficult to use, especially for users with dexterity issues or elderly individuals, and do not provide adequate comfort or durability for long-term use.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a liner with fasteners and an interface layer that securely attaches to a frame element, providing a precise, strong, and easy-to-use connection through apertures and corresponding fasteners, which can be molded onto the frame element, ensuring a single correct attachment configuration and improved durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hook and loop fastener elements are used to attach the liner to the frame element, then the attachment can be made and removed repeatedly, but the attachment strength is insufficient to withstand shear forces and the alignment precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hook and loop fastener mechanical system with a snap fastener system consisting of a resilient snap element and a corresponding aperture. The snap element features a head portion and a body portion that flexibly engages with the aperture, providing significantly stronger attachment while maintaining ease of repeated attachment and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the attachment mechanism by using a resilient material for the snap element that can elastically deform during engagement. The snap element's body portion flexes to allow insertion and then returns to its original shape to lock securely, providing both strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If hook and loop fastener elements are used to attach the liner to the frame element, then the attachment can be made and removed repeatedly, but the alignment precision is poor requiring multiple attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap element has an asymmetric geometry with a head portion that is larger than the body portion, and the body portion has a specific shape that complements the aperture. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and alignment during engagement, eliminating the alignment issues associated with symmetric hook and loop fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If the frame element is made rigid to support user weight, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the comfort is reduced due to hard edges causing chafing and pressure points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the frame element. The frame element itself is made of rigid material for structural strength, while the interface layer is made of compliant, cushioning material that contacts the user's body. This local differentiation allows the frame to be strong where needed while soft where it contacts the user, eliminating hard edges and pressure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by bonding a compliant interface layer to a rigid frame element. The interface layer is made of a different material with cushioning properties, while the frame element is made of rigid material for structural support. This composite construction combines the advantages of both materials, providing both strength and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11497643B2System for supporting a liner on a frame element

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 OSSUR ICELAND EHF

AI summary

A system for supporting a liner on a frame element includes a liner and a frame element. A fastener connects the liner to the frame element, such that the fastener corresponds to an aperture defined by the frame element. The fastener is configured and dimensioned to removably secure to the frame element at the at least one aperture. The frame element comprises a semi-rigid or rigid base frame element, and an interface layer secured about the base frame element. The interface layer is formed from a resilient material more compressible than the base frame element, and the liner is more flexible than the interface layer.