Exoskeletal Prosthesis with Zoned Flexibility for Limb Hardness Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic limbs do not adequately replicate the natural feel and functionality of a lost limb, leading to cumbersome handling and an imperfect aesthetic.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeletal prosthesis structure with zones of varying flexibility, designed to mimic the different hardnesses of a natural limb, providing a connection between a socket and a hand or foot prosthesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a prosthesis uses a uniform rigid structure to ensure strength and stability, then structural integrity is improved, but the realism and comfort of the replaced limb deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeletal structure is divided into multiple zones with different flexibility characteristics. Some zones are designed to be more flexible to mimic soft tissue, while other zones maintain higher rigidity to provide structural support. This local differentiation allows the prosthesis to simultaneously achieve structural integrity and realistic tactile feedback, resolving the contradiction between strength and comfort.
2Ease of manufacture
If a prosthesis uses a single-material construction to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to replicate different limb tissues deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeletal structure employs composite materials with varying flexibility characteristics in different zones. This allows the prosthesis to replicate the diversity of natural limb tissues (bone, muscle, fat, skin) while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process. The composite construction enables each zone to be optimized for its specific function without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
3Reliability
If a prosthesis envelope is made thicker to improve durability and protection, then protective capability is improved, but the weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly thickening the entire envelope, the invention applies thicker protective layers only in zones where structural support and protection are most critical. In zones where flexibility and weight reduction are priorities, the envelope is made thinner. This localized approach maintains durability where needed while minimizing overall weight gain.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an exoskeletal structure, preferably having a tubular shape (1), of a prosthesis (12) of a given limb (2), the exoskeletal structure being designed to provide a connection - between a socket (29) and a hand prosthesis (37) or - between a socket (29) and a foot prosthesis (25) in order to form the prosthesis of the limb, the exoskeletal structure comprising at least two zones (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2) of different flexibility (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 9.1, 9.2), wherein the arrangement of said zones between them corresponds to the arrangement of the parts of the given limb having different hardnesses (7, 8).