Fixed Swim Fin Coupling for Amputees

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current swim fins for leg amputees are cumbersome, cause pain due to hinged interfaces, and require excessive physical exertion, as they often disengage from prosthetics and fail to provide effective propulsion in both strokes, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modified swim fin with a fixed interface and a prosthetic soft shell coupling, made from non-metallic materials like rubber or plastic, which allows for comfortable fit and propulsion on both up and down strokes without pressure points, using a sleeve or wetsuit for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hinged interface is used between the swim fin and prosthetic coupling, then the device can be assembled, but it creates pressure points that cause pain and limits propulsion effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion effectivenessVSAvoidpain from pressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hinged interface entirely from the swim fin design. Instead of using a hinge to connect the swim fin blade to the prosthetic coupling, the invention uses a fixed rigid connection that eliminates the pressure point problem while maintaining structural integrity and propulsion effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a hinged arrangement that allows movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed rigid connection. This inversion eliminates the pressure point issue caused by the hinge while still allowing effective water propulsion through proper fin blade design and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If straps are used to secure the swim fin to the leg, then attachment is achieved, but the straps become ineffective as the leg shrinks in cold water and cause sores and chafing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsores and chafing from straps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the strap-based mechanical fastening system with a rigid coupling structure that integrates the swim fin blade directly to the prosthetic or leg interface. This substitution eliminates the need for adjustable straps that cause discomfort while maintaining secure attachment through a fixed structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a prosthetic leg is used for swimming, then the amputated leg can be moved, but the prosthetic is heavy and requires great exertion to move in water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleg movement capabilityVSAvoidphysical exertion required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the swimming device into a separate swim fin component that attaches to the prosthetic or directly to the residual limb. This segmentation allows the swimmer to use only the necessary components for propulsion without the full weight of the prosthetic leg, reducing energy expenditure while maintaining leg movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the swimming device by using lightweight materials and a simplified fin structure rather than the full prosthetic leg. This parameter change reduces the mass and drag of the device, thereby reducing the physical exertion required to move through water while maintaining the ability to move the amputated leg.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If modified swim fins are created for removable attachment to prosthetics, then adaptability is improved, but propulsion is only provided in one direction and tremendous physical condition is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovable attachment capabilityVSAvoidpropulsion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the coupling mechanism to be universally adaptable - it can attach to prosthetics when needed while also functioning effectively without a prosthetic. The fixed rigid connection and standardized interface provide multi-functionality, allowing the swim fin to deliver effective bidirectional propulsion in both attached and unattached configurations, eliminating the need for tremendous physical condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9186554B2Swim fin for leg amputees

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 AMP FINS LLC

AI summary

A modified swim fin comprising a swim fin component and a leg amputation coupling. The swim fin component and the amputation coupling may be two separate structures joined together such as by welding, glue, mechanical attachment or integral fabrication. The coupling may be formed of two elements, a prosthetic soft, shell and an encasing non-metallic material such as a plastic or rubber. The prosthetic soft shell forms the interior of the coupling for direct contact with the amputated leg. The fin component and the coupling are fixedly joined together so that they do not pivot at their interface. Their centerlines are substantially aligned to minimize pain and/or injury for the wearer and to maximize performance.