Enhanced Thigh Prosthetic Component with Adjustable Pivot Point and Integrated Flexion Sensor
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An advanced thigh prosthetic component with an adjustable pivot point and integrated flexion sensor, enabling customized fit, improved flexibility, and real-time feedback for users.
Background and Problem Solved
The original thigh prosthetic component patent (PCT/EP2019/061844) has limitations in terms of adjustability, flexibility, and user feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an adjustable pivot point, integrated flexion sensor, and customizable components, providing a more efficient, safer, and user-friendly prosthetic solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced thigh prosthetic component features a knee joint with an adjustable pivot point, achieved through a movable ventral articulated arm and a fixed dorsal articulated arm. This design enables customized fit and improved flexibility. Additionally, an integrated flexion sensor provides real-time feedback to the user during flexion of the knee joint, enhancing user experience and safety. The component also includes a system for adjusting the maximum flexion of the knee joint, comprising a proximal knee joint upper part and a distal knee joint lower part operatively connected by a ventral articulated arm and a dorsal articulated arm.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the concept of an adjustable pivot point, integrated flexion sensor, and customizable components, which are not present in the original patent. These innovations provide a significant improvement over the existing prosthetic component, offering enhanced flexibility, adjustability, and user feedback.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the articulated arms, such as using different materials or geometries. Additionally, the integrated flexion sensor could be replaced with other types of sensors, such as pressure or acceleration sensors, to provide different types of feedback to the user.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced thigh prosthetic component has significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and prosthetic industries, particularly in the areas of customized prosthetics and rehabilitation. The integrated flexion sensor and adjustable pivot point could also be applied to other types of prosthetic components, such as knee or ankle prosthetics.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/64 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/642 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/6607 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/74 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/6614 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Prosthetic limb design, specifically lower limb and knee joint biomechanical systems, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomechanical knowledge, and expertise in orthopedic device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with specialized training in prosthetic design, familiar with articulated joint mechanisms, material science, and human biomechanical requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications to the source patent's knee joint design, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known mechanical principles to enhance prosthetic component functionality and user customization.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,394 |
|---|---|
| Title | Thigh prosthetic component |