Universal Digit Prosthetic With Button-Locking Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic digits with motorized or manually repositionable joints are either complex and expensive or impractical due to reliance on friction, which fails to accommodate varying patient needs and applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A universal digit with a repositionable locking joint that allows for multiple orientations, featuring a barrel portion, an extension portion, and a central joint structure with a button-locking mechanism enabling 360-degree rotation about a longitudinal axis and 180-220 degree rotation about a transverse axis, providing infinite positionability without relying on friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized joints with actuators and robotics are used, then the prosthetic digit achieves repositionability and functionality, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized actuators and robotic systems with a simple mechanical button-locking mechanism. The central joint member includes buttons that, when depressed, allow rotation about the transverse axis, and when released, lock the extension portion in the desired orientation. This mechanical substitution eliminates motors, sensors, and control electronics while achieving the same repositionability function.
2Device complexity
If friction joints are used for manual repositioning, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the joints cannot accommodate varying patient needs and applications effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static friction-based joint into a dynamic locking mechanism. The button-locking system allows the joint to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling the extension portion to be repositioned to multiple orientations and then securely locked in place. This dynamic capability allows the same simple mechanism to adapt to different patient needs and applications by providing both mobility and stability as required.
3Reliability
If friction-based locking is used, then the joint can be held in place, but the frictional forces require cannot be adjusted for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the locking parameter from fixed friction force to adjustable mechanical locking. The button mechanism provides discrete locking positions at different orientations, allowing the joint to be secured reliably in multiple predetermined positions. This parameter change from continuous friction to discrete mechanical locking enables both reliable holding and adaptability to different applications.
4Ease of operation
If friction joints are used, then repositioning is possible, but in some cases undo levels of force are required making them impractical to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the friction-based holding mechanism and replaces it with a button-locking system. The buttons, when depressed, release the locking engagement, allowing repositioning with minimal force. When released, the buttons engage positive locking features that secure the joint without requiring excessive force to maintain. This extraction of the friction mechanism eliminates the need to overcome high frictional forces during repositioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal digit is formed to be attachable to the residual digit of a patient, and to have a lockable joint, so as to provide considerable utility and flexibility. The structure of the joint member allows the universal digit to be easily adjusted and manipulated so that the extension portion can be locked into multiple positions by easily manipulating adjustment buttons. The extension is rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, and is further rotatable about a transverse axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The joint structure thus has three dimensions of movement and provides a significant number of diverse options for positioning of the extension. Unique locking mechanisms within the various structures allow the universal digit to be rigidly held in the desired position, thereby increasing the utility for a patient/user.