FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[001] The present disclosure relates to a rotatable and removable wrist connection
for a prosthetic hand of the type commonly referred to as a Quick Wrist Disconnect
(QWD).
BACKGROUND
[002] Prosthetic limbs are typically attached to a user's stump via a socket which
conforms to the shape of the stump. A connector may be provided to allow the
prosthesis to be attached and detached from the stump. In the case of a wrist it is
desirable for the prosthetic limb to be both rotatably coupled and easily connected to and
15 removed from a stump. Additionally, for an automated hand, signals need to be
conveyed through the connector to the hand.
[003] In the 1970's Otto Bock developed a rotatable and removeable prosthetic
connector, as described in US Patent No.3900900, that has become the industry standard
and is commonly referred to as a Quick Wrist Disconnect (QWD) connector. A
20 prothesis coupling component is secured to the prosthetic limb and a socket coupling
component is secured to a socket secured to a patient's stump. The prothesis coupling
and socket coupling may be engaged by being pushed together such that they are then
axially locked together. The prosthesis can then be rotationally positioned by the user
via a detent mechanism in the coupling until the prosthesis is rotated through about 330
25 degrees to allow release.
[004] By virtue of the rotational positioning and the release mechanism actuation
requiring the same action by the user, the standard QWD may suffer from accidental
release, potentially exposing a user to risk or damaging an expensive prosthetic limb.
The standard QWD may suffer from accidental release, potentially exposing a user to
30 risk or damaging an expensive prosthetic limb. Further, the push locking arrangement
may not move the movable snap ring of the socket coupling sufficiently to ensure that
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the prosthesis coupling and socket coupling are locked together, again potentially
exposing a user to risk or damaging an expensive prosthetic limb.
[005] For an automated hand a rotary connector core is rigidly mounted to the
socket coupling and this may be subject to damage as the rotary connector core is
5 inserted into a rotary connector housing of a prosthesis socket before mechanical
coupling occurs. The connection between a rotary connector core and a socket coupling
may also not be waterproof which may allow water to enter and interfere with signals or
damage electrical or electronic components. Further, rotary connector cores are
typically molded which is complex and expensive and does not easily allow variation.
10
SUMMARY
[006] In a prosthetic QWD connector it is desirable for any new QWD design to
be backwards compatible with the industry standard QWD connector. This creates
challenges due to features of the existing QWD design, the need for a rotatable coupling
15 and the very limited available space. The prosthetic QWD connector disclosed herein
can have any of the following and/or other advantages.
[007] The present disclosure provides examples of prosthetic QWD connectors
that are compact, have lower risk of accidental release, provide positive locking and
allow easy release whilst providing backwards compatibility with the industry standard
20 QWD connector.
[008] The present disclosure also provides examples of prosthetic QWD
connectors including a compliantly mounted rotary connector core capable of allowing
movement of the rotary connector core with respect to the socket coupling, thus
allowing certain forces during coupling to be absorbed without damaging the rotary
25 connector core whilst also providing a waterproof seal between a socket coupling.
[009] The examples above can provide a QWD connector that is backwards
compatible with standard QWD connectors whilst offering one or more of the
advantages outlined above.
[0010] In some configurations, a prosthesis coupling can be configured to rotatably
30 and releasably engage with a race of a socket coupling and comprise: a first sleeve
including a first annular ball race section; a second sleeve having a second annular ball
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race section; and bearings provided within a race formed by the first ball race section
and the second ball race section, wherein the first and second sleeves may be relatively
moved such that: in a first configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are brought together, the bearings are constrained to an outer
5 annular zone, preventing removal of the prosthesis coupling when engaged with a socket
coupling; and in a second configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are moved apart, the bearings may move to an inner annular
zone, allowing removal of the connector from a socket.
[0011] In some configurations, the prothesis coupling can be configured to rotatably
10 and releasably engage with a race of a socket coupling and comprise: a body having an
annular section; a first annular ball race section provided on the annular section; a
second annular ball race section movable between first and second positions on the
annular section; bearings provided within a race formed by the first ball race section and
the second ball race section; and a release actuator movable in a first direction with
15 respect to the body to move the second annular ball race section between: a first
configuration in which the first ball race section and the second ball race section are
brought together such that the bearings are constrained to an outer annular zone,
preventing removal of the connector when engaged with a socket coupling; and a second
configuration in which the first ball race section and the second ball race section are
20 moved apart such that the bearings may move to an inner annular zone, allowing
removal of the prosthesis coupling from a socket coupling.
[0012] In some configurations a socket coupling can include a socket body for
receiving a wrist coupling having a rotary connector core extending from the socket
body wherein the rotary connector core is compliantly mounted to the socket body.
25 [0013] In some configurations a rotary connector core can include a compliant
mounting element.
[0014] In some configurations a compliant mounting element can be configured to
engage with a socket coupling and a rotary connector core so as to allow movement
between the socket coupling and rotary connector core about the compliant mounting
30 element.
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[0015] In some configurations a rotary connector core can comprise a plurality of
stacked sections consist of alternating conductive sections and insulating sections
tensioned together to maintain a cylindrical form by a tensioning element between the
top and bottom of the stack.
5 [0016] In some configurations a socket body can include a compliant mounting
element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure
10 are described with reference to the drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended
to schematically illustrate certain embodiments and not to limit the disclosure.
[0018] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a first example
prosthesis coupling.
[0019] Figure 2 shows a top perspective v1ew of an assembled prosthesis
15 coupling of the components shown in Figure 1.
20
[0020] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the prosthesis coupling of Figure
2.
[0021] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a socket coupling for receiving
[0022]
[0023]
the prosthesis coupling ofFigures 1 to 3.
Figure 5 shows a partial section of Figures 1 to 4 illustrating locking of
the prosthesis coupling to a socket coupling.
Figure 6 shows a partial section of Figures 1 to 4 illustrating unlocking of
the prosthesis coupling from a socket coupling.
[0024] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the components of a second example
25 prosthesis coupling.
30
[0025] Figure 8 shows a top perspective view of the prosthesis coupling ofFigure
7 assembled from the components shown in Figure 7.
[0026] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the prosthesis coupling of
[0027]
Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 10 shows the prosthesis coupling of figures 7 to 9 in an unlocked
configuration.
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[0028] Figure 11 shows the prosthesis coupling of figures 7 to 9 in a locked
configuration.
[0029] Figure 12 illustrates unlocking of the prosthesis coupling of Figures 7 to
11 from a socket coupling.
5 [0030] Figure 13a shows a cutaway perspective view of the outer sleeve of the
prosthesis coupling of Figures 7 to 12.
[0031] Figure 13b shows a perspective view of the inner sleeve of the prosthesis
coupling ofFigures 7 to 12.
[0032] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the locking ring of the prosthesis
10 coupling ofFigures 7 to 12.
[0033] Figures 15a to 15c show a modified form of the second example
prosthesis coupling including a biasing mechanism between the inner and
outer sleeves.
[0034] Figure 16 shows an example rotary connector core compliantly mounted
15 to a socket coupling.
20
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the rotary connector of Figure 16
attached to a compliant mounting element.
Figure 18 shows a rotary connector housing.
Figure 19 shows an exploded view of the rotary connector core of Figure
16.
Figures 20a and 20b show an example connection between a rotary
connector core and a socket coupling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
25 [0039] Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, those of
skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically
disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein disclosed should not be
limited by any particular embodiments described below. In the examples below ball
30 bearings are employed but it will be appreciated that non-spherical bearings, such as
roller bearings could be employed.
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Example Prosthesis Coupling
[0040] The present disclosure provides examples of a prothesis coupling for
5 rotatable and releasable connection to a socket connector. Figures 1 to 3 show a first
example prosthesis coupling 1 having an axis 2. An interface plate 3 allows attachment
to a prosthetic limb. A button 4 locates within apertures 5 and is movable laterally with
respect to the axis 2. Button 4 is secured to ramp plate 6 by screws 7. When button 4 is
depressed ramp plate 6 moves inwards, moving ramps 8 towards ramp surfaces 9 of
10 annular inner sleeve 10.
[0041] A castellated ring 11 and wave spring 12 are provided about main body
annular sleeve 13. Annular sleeve 13 provides an annular body for mounting the snap
rings and detent as described below. Snap ring retainer 15 is mounted to main sleeve
body 13 to retain static snap ring 17 in place. Detent ring 18 is mounted on main sleeve
15 body 13 so as to define two annular regions in which dynamic snap ring 20 may be
positioned about sleeve body 13, as will be described below. Inner sleeve 10 may act on
pins 16, located in apertures 22 of main sleeve body 13, to move dynamic snap ring 20
from an upper to a lower position.
[0042] The snap rings 17 and 20 provide ball race sections defining a ball race
20 constraining the longitudinal movement of bearings 19 in the direction of axis 2.
Bearing cage 21 retains the bearings radially within it.
[0043] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled prosthesis coupling 1
as shown in Figures 1 and 2 (engaged with a socket coupling) with a standard QWD
socket coupling shown alone below in Figure 4. When the prosthesis coupling 1 and
25 socket coupling 23 are locked together ball bearings 19 run in track 24 of socket
coupling 23 and rotary connector core 25 couples with rotary connector housing 26 to
allow electrical signals to pass from socket coupling 23 to prothesis coupling 1. Bosses
27 assist in locking the dynamic snap ring 20 in its locked position as will be described
below.
30 [0044] Prior to attachment of a prosthesis coupling to a socket coupling the
dynamic snap ring is in the position 20' shown in Figure 6, below detent ring 18, which
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allows the ball bearings to move inwardly to pass the race 24 of a socket coupling. As
prosthesis coupling 1 is urged towards socket coupling 23 bosses 27 force dynamic snap
ring 20 up from position 20', within a first annular recess below detent 18, over detent
ring 18, to position 20 within a second annular recess below detent 18. As the dynamic
5 snap ring 20 moves to this upper position the distance between the dynamic snap ring 20
and the static snap ring 17 decreases and the ball bearings 19 are forced outwards into
race 24 of socket coupling 23 so as to retain the prosthesis coupling to the socket
coupling, due to the constrained positions of the ball bearings, whilst allowing relative
rotation.
10 [0045] Referring now to Figure 6 disengagement of prosthesis coupling 1 from
socket coupling 23 will be described. A release actuator is provided by button 4, ramp
plate 6 and inner sleeve 10. Push button 4 may be recessed within interface plate 3 to
avoid accidental actuation. When push button 4 is depressed ramp plate 6 is moved
inwards, lateral to axis 2, against ramp surface 9 of inner sleeve 10. This forces inner
15 sleeve 10 down, forcing pins 16 down, which in tum forces dynamic snap ring 20 down
over detent 18 to position 20'. With dynamic snap ring 20 in position 20' the ball
bearings may move inwardly to positions 19', which allows the ball bearings to move
out of race 24, thus allowing the prosthesis coupling 1 to be removed from socket
coupling 23. The bosses 27 do not prevent the dynamic slip ring 20 moving down as the
20 prosthesis coupling moves up as inner sleeve body 10 is forced down.
[0046] It will be appreciated that other actuation mechanisms may be employed
where a release element is moved relative to the prosthesis coupling to effect release.
Instead of being pushed in, ramp plate 6 could be rotated about axis 2 via a lever
projecting outward from ramp plate 6. In this arrangement one of ramps 8 would be
25 oppositely inclined to that shown, as would a corresponding ramp surface 9. In another
example a cam may be rotated by a lever in a plane through axis 2 with the cam acting
upon inner sleeve 10 to move it downwards to effect release.
[0047] Referring now to Figures 7 to 12 a second example prosthesis coupling will
be described. Prosthesis coupling 100 includes an interface plate 101 having a pair of
30 push buttons 102 on either side having ramps 103 at their distal ends. The push buttons
102 are slidably mounted with respect to the interface plate 101 and biased outwardly by
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springs 104. Ramps 105 are secured to lifters 106 which can lift locking ring 107 when
the push buttons 102 are depressed. Wave spring 109 and castellated ring 110 are
provided below interface plate 101. Main compression spring Ill is provided about
barrel 112 to bias the outer sleeve 114 downwards. Lock ring compressing spring 113 is
5 positioned to bias locking ring 107 downwards.
[0048] In this example an outer sleeve 114 is rotatably engaged about an inner
sleeve 115 with ball race sections 116 and 117 of each sleeve forming a ball race. In this
example the spacing between ball race sections 116 and 117 is adjusted by relative axial
displacement between the inner and outer sleeves. This axial displacement could be
10 achieved by pure axial displacement or with rotation, as described in the example below.
In this example a number of ramps 118 are provided on inner sleeve 115 which engage
with projections 119 of outer sleeve 114. It will be appreciated that instead of this
construction inter-engaging threads (or partial threads) could be provided on the inner
and outer sleeves.
15 [0049] A bushing 120 and threaded ring 121 are provided about outer sleeve 114.
Ball bearings 122 are retained within a region defined by the axial separation of race
sections 116 and 117 and the bearing cage 123. When outer sleeve 114 is rotated anticlockwise
projections 119 may ride up ramp 118 to create a large axial spacing 124'
between race sections 116 and 117 (see Figure 10) allowing bearings 122 to move
20 inwardly into an inner annular zone and allow the prosthesis coupling to be connected to
or disconnected from a socket coupling. When outer sleeve 114 is rotated clockwise
projections 119 may ride down ramp 118 to create a smaller axial spacing 124 between
race sections 116 and 117 (see Figure 11) forcing ball bearings 122 to move outwardly
to an outer annular zone such as to retain the prosthesis coupling to a socket coupling.
25 It will be appreciated that the directions of relative rotation would be opposite if the
ramp sections were oppositely inclined. The relative axial displacement between the
race sections 116 and 117 thus allows two configurations: a first configuration in which
the first ball race section 116 and the second ball race 117 section are brought together
such that the bearings are constrained to an outer annular zone, preventing removal of
30 the connector when engaged with a socket coupling; and a second configuration in
which the first ball race section 116 and the second ball race section 117 are moved
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apart such that the bearings may move to an inner annular zone, allowing removal of the
prosthesis coupling from a socket coupling.
[0050] To prevent accidental release relative rotation between sleeves 114 and 115
to separate the race sections 116 and 117 (i.e. from the configuration shown in Figure 11
5 to the configuration shown in Figure 1 0) may require a release of a locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism could consist of one or more pins passing through apertures in
the inner and outer sleeves in the configuration shown in Figure 11, which may be
removed to allow rotation to the configuration shown in Figure 10. Such pins may be of
any desired cross-section or shape and simply need to engage apertures in the sleeves to
10 prevent rotation. Alternatively, a locking mechanism may require rotation of an element
relative to the interface plate 101 to allow relative rotation between sleeves (a detent
mechanism may also be included to avoid unintentional rotation of such a locking
mechanism). Below an example locking mechanism employing a locking ring is
described.
15 [0051] When the inner and outer sleeves have the configuration shown in Figure 11
projections 108 of locking ring 107 engage in slots 120 in outer sleeve 114 and notches
121 in inner sleeve 115 (best shown in Figures 13a to 14) which prevent relative rotation
between the sleeves when projections 108 are engaged, thus preventing separation of
race sections 116 and 117 to permit release of the prosthesis coupling from the socket
20 coupling. As illustrated in Figure 12, when buttons 102 are pressed inwards ramps 103
act against ramps 105 to lift locking ring 107 via lifters 106 to remove projections 108
from slots 120 in outer sleeve 114 and notches 121 in inner sleeve 115 to permit relative
rotation of the sleeves. Thus, upon depression of the buttons a prosthesis coupling may
be rotated relative to a socket coupling (by about 45 degrees in this case) to allow
25 release of the prosthesis coupling from the socket coupling.
[0052] If the prosthesis coupling of the second example is not correctly operated
there is a risk that the first ball race section 116 and the second ball race 117 section may
remain together when the prosthesis coupling is removed from a socket coupling such
that the bearings are constrained to an outer annular zone, preventing future engagement
30 with a socket coupling. With reference to Figures 15a to 15c a biasing means, in the
form of a helical torsion spring 125, is provided to causes relative rotation between the
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inner sleeve 115 and outer sleeve 114 to urge them towards the second configuration
(race sections 116 and 117 moved apart), when the locking mechanism does not prevent
relative rotation. In this way when the prothesis coupling is removed from a socket
coupling the ball race may easily return to the second configuration, allowing attachment
5 to a socket coupling.
[0053] It will be appreciated that a range of biasing means may be employed
including extension, compression or torsional biasing elements and a helical torsion
spring is given by way of non-limiting example.
[0054] Referring to the example ofFigures 15a to 15c a helical torsion spring 125 is
10 provided within inner sleeve 115. A first leg of helical torsion spring 125 engages with
an aperture in inner sleeve 115. A second leg 127 of helical torsion spring 125 passes
through a slot 128 in inner sleeve 115 and engages with an aperture in outer race 114.
The configuration is such that the helical torsion spring 125 rotates the inner sleeve 115
with respect to the outer sleeve 114 towards the second configuration, when the locking
15 mechanism does not prevent relative rotation. In this way race sections 116 and 117
may easily return to the second configuration when removed from a socket coupling to
allow easy future engagement with a socket coupling.
[0055] Referring to Figures 16 to 19 examples of a compliant mount, rotary
connector and socket coupling will be described. As shown in the exploded view of a
20 rotary connector core in Figure 19 the rotary connector core 200 can be formed by
alternately stacking conductive rings 201 and insulating rings 202. Electrical connectors
203 pass through the insulating rings 202 and are electrically connected to one or more
conductive ring 201 as required. A tension screw 204 screws into tension nut 205 to
retain the stack together to form a core. Lock ring 206 and base 207 lock together to
25 secure the core to a compliant mounting element 208. Plug nut 209 is secured to the end
of tension nut 205.
[0056] The assembled rotary connector core 200 with a compliant mounting
element 208 is shown in Figure 17. The rotary connector core 200 engages with the
bore 211 of a rotary connector housing 210 of a prosthesis coupling.
30 [0057] Referring to Figure 16 a rotary connector core 200 is shown mounted to a
socket coupling 218 by a compliant mounting element 208. A recess 220 formed in
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compliant mounting element 208 engages with flange 219 of socket coupling 218 to
provide a compliant mounting arrangement of the rotary connector core 200 relative to
socket coupling 218. This allows a degree of movement of the rotary connector core
200 relative to socket coupling 218 during coupling to avoid damage to the rotary
5 connector core 200.
[0058] The rotary connector core 200 is designed to preferentially flex and/or
deform at the compliant mounting element 208 which may suitably be formed of a
material having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 to 0.8, preferably between
0.05 to 0.5, over a temperature range of -20° C. to 100° C. The material preferably has a
10 resilience of between 20% to 60% and a Shore A hardness of between 10 to 90 (more
preferably a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60) or alternatively a ShoreD hardness
of between 40 to 90. The compliant mounting element preferably provides impact
absorption for forces applied to the connector core in a direction normal to the central
axis such that the connector core may deviate by at least 5 degrees (preferably 10
15 degrees and more preferably 15 degrees) relative to the central axis due to elastic
deformation of the mounting block. A force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied
laterally or normal to the tip of the connector core preferably results in angular rotation
with respect to the central axis of at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees, due to
elastic deformation of the mounting block. The mounting block may be formed of
20 elastomers, rubber, silicone, compressible polymers or thermoplastics materials.
Preferably the material is a thermoset elastomer (either hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or
silica-based), a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset rubber, an inherently soft
thermoplastic. It may also be an alloy or blend or a foamed composition of any of the
above polymers.
25 [0059] The compliant mounting arrangement may allow non-destructive movement
of the rotary core with respect to the socket coupling without causing damage to the
rotary connector core 200. In one example the compliant mounting element 208 may
allow the rotary connector core 200 to non-destructively deflect by more than 15 degrees
with respect to the socket coupling. Advantageously in this example the compliant
30 mounting element 208 may also provide a waterproof seal between the rotary connector
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core and the socket body. The seal is preferably waterproof to any one of the standards,
1Px5, IPx6, IPx6K, IPx7 or IPx8.
[0060] Referring to Figures 20a and 20b a further example of a compliant mount,
rotary connector core and socket coupling will be described. A first part 230 includes a
5 rotary connector core 231 secured to a compliant mount 232 and a mounting ring 233
secured to the compliant mount 232. The compliant mount has the properties of the
compliant mount described above. The mounting ring has a number of projections 234
dimensioned to fit within notches 237 in the complementary mounting ring 236 of
socket 235. This allows first part 230 to be engaged with socket coupling 235 from its
10 distal end simply by inserting it so that projections 234 are aligned with notches 237 and
then pushing and rotating the first part with respect to the socket coupling 235 in twistlock
fashion to secure the mounting rings together.
[0061] It will be appreciated that the compliant mount could be secured to the
socket coupling with mounting rings provided at the interface between the rotary
15 connector core 231 and the compliant mount 232. It will also be appreciated that the
mounting rings may employ a variety of interengagement techniques, such as a screw
thread, bayonet fitting, push fit etc.
[0062] In other examples compliance may be provided within the rotary connector
core itself For example a compliant material could be provided between base 207 and
20 lock ring 206. In other examples compliance may be provided within socket coupling
218, for example by providing a compliant material between the socket coupling 218
and a rigid surface to which a rotary connector core is mounted.
[0063] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be
made to the embodiments described herein, the elements of which are to be understood
25 as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the
following claims. Further, nothing in the foregoing disclosure is intended to imply that
any particular component, characteristic or process step is necessary or essential.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A prosthesis coupling configured to rotatably and releasably engage with a race of a
socket coupling, the prosthesis coupling comprising:
a. a first sleeve including a first annular ball race section;
b. a second sleeve having a second annular ball race section; and
c. bearings provided within a race formed by the first ball race section and the
second ball race section;
wherein the first and second sleeves may be relatively moved such that:
1. in a first configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are brought together, the bearings are
constrained to an outer annular zone, preventing removal of the
prosthesis coupling when engaged with a socket coupling; and
11. in a second configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are moved apart, the bearings may move to
an inner annular zone, allowing removal of the connector from a
socket.
2. A prosthesis connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second sleeves
are relatively rotatable and have ramp sections configured such that upon relative
20 rotation of the inner and outer sleeves the spacing between the first ball race section
and the second ball race section may be varied.
3. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a locking
mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second sleeves unless
actuated.
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4. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the locking
mechanism engages with locking features provided on the sleeves in its locking
position to prevent relative rotation with respect to the other sleeve.
5. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism moves
5 axially between the locking position and an unlocked position.
6. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism moves
transversely to the axis of the coupling between the locking position and an
unlocked position.
7. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism rotates
10 relative to the socket coupling between locked and an unlocked positions.
8. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism is in
the form of a locking ring having a plurality of axial projections which engage with
a plurality of locking features provided on the sleeves.
9. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 8 wherein the locking ring is moved
15 axially between locked and unlocked positions by the movement of opposing first
and second ramps and a linkage between the locking ring and the second ramp.
10. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 9 wherein a button is linked to the first
ramp and configured so that movement of the button effects relative movement
between the first and second ramps.
20 11. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 10 wherein a plurality of buttons are
connected to respective ramps.
12. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 3 wherein the locking mechanism
engages features of both the first and second sleeves to prevent relative rotation
between the sleeves.
25 13. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism is a
pin movable relative to the sleeves between a first position in which the pin engages
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features of the first and second sleeves to prevent rotation and a second position in
which relative rotation of the sleeves is allowed.
14. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 13 wherein the features are apertures in
the sleeves.
5 15. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein an actuating mechanism moves
the first and second sleeves relatively in the axial direction between the first and
second configurations.
16. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 13 where the actuating mechanism is in
the form of a lever and cam arrangement.
10 17. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the
bearings are ball bearings.
18. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the
first and second sleeves are biased towards the second configuration.
19. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 18 wherein a spring biases the first and
15 second sleeves towards the second configuration.
20. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 19 wherein a torsion spring biases the
first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.
21. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 20 wherein a helical torsion spring biases
the first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.
20 22. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 21 wherein the helical torsion spring is
25
provided within the first sleeve and includes a leg passing through a slot in the first
sleeve to engage with the second sleeve.
23. A prosthesis coupling configured to rotatably and releasably engage with a race of a
socket coupling, the prosthesis coupling comprising:
a. a body having an annular section;
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b. a first annular ball race section provided on the annular section;
c. a second annular ball race section movable between first and second
positions on the annular section;
d. bearings provided within a race formed by the first ball race section and the
second ball race section; and
e. a release actuator movable in a first direction with respect to the body to
move the second annular ball race section between:
1. a first configuration in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are brought together such that the bearings
are constrained to an outer annular zone, preventing removal of the
connector when engaged with a socket coupling; and
11. a second configuration in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are moved apart such that the bearings may
move to an inner annular zone, allowing removal of the prosthesis
coupling from a socket coupling.
24. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 23 wherein the release actuator is hand
operated.
25. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 24 wherein the release actuator is moved
in a first direction, lateral to the axis of the body, to move the second annular ball
20 race.
26. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein release
actuator includes a push button.
27. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 26 wherein the push button is recessed
within the body.
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28. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the release
actuator must be released before it can be actuated.
29. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 28 wherein the release actuator is
configured to be released by moving it laterally to the first direction.
5 30. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 28 wherein the release actuator is
configured to be released when rotated about the axis of the first direction.
31. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30 wherein the release
actuator includes a first ramp configured to engage with a second ramp to effect
movement of the second ball race section away from the first ball race section.
10 32. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 31 wherein the second ramp acts via a
series of pins to move the second ball race section away from the first ball race
section.
33. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in 23 wherein the release actuator moves about the
axis of rotation to move the second annular ball race.
15 34. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 33 wherein the release actuator includes a
first ramp configured to engage with a second ramp to effect movement of the
second ball race section away from the first ball race section.
35. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in 23 wherein the release actuator includes a cam
configured to move the second annular ball race.
20 36. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35 wherein the ball race
sections are snap rings.
37. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 36 wherein the second race section is
movably mounted on a sleeve and is movable between axially separated annular
recesses.
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38. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 37 wherein the bearings
are ball bearings.
39. A socket coupling including a socket body for receiving a wrist coupling having a
rotary connector core extending from the socket body wherein the rotary connector
5 core is compliantly mounted to the socket body.
40. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 39 wherein a compliant mounting element is
provided between the rotary connector core and the socket body.
41. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 40 wherein the compliant mounting element
provides a waterproof seal between the rotary connector core and the socket body.
10 42. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 41 wherein the seal is waterproof to any one
of the standards 1Px4, 1Px5, 1Px6, 1Px6K, 1Px7 and 1Px8.
43. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 42 wherein the compliant
mounting element allows the rotary connector core to non-destructively deflect by
more than 15 degrees with respect to the socket body.
15 4+ A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 43 wherein the compliant
mounting element allows the rotary connector core to non-destructively deflect by
at least 5 degrees, preferably 10 degrees and more preferably 15 degrees.
45. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims claim 40 to 43 wherein the
compliant mounting element is formed from a resilient material having a resilience
20 of between 20% to 60% and a Shore A hardness between 10 and 90, more
preferably a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60 or alternatively a ShoreD
hardness of between 40 to 90.
46. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims claim 40 to 45 wherein the
compliant mounting element is formed from an elastomer, rubber, silicone, a
25 compressible polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset rubber hydrocarbon,
a fluorocarbon or a silica-based thermoset elastomer.
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47. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 46 wherein the rotary
connector core is engaged with the socket body by a mounting mechanism.
48. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 47 wherein the mounting mechanism allows
engagement and disengagement of the connector core from the socket body.
5 49. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 48 wherein the mounting mechanism allows
engagement and disengagement by relative rotation between the connector core and
the socket body.
50. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 49 wherein the compliant mounting is
connected to the connector core and the mounting mechanism is formed by
10 cooperating elements on the compliant mounting and the socket body.
51. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 50 wherein the mounting mechanism is a
twist lock mechanism.
52. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 4 7 to 51 wherein the mounting
mechanism allows engagement of the connector core from the distal end of the
15 socket body.
53. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 39 wherein a compliant mounting element is
provided within the rotary connector core.
54. A socket coupling as claimed in claim 39 wherein a compliant mounting element is
provided within the socket body.
20 55. A rotary connector core including a compliant mounting element.
56. A rotary connector core as claimed in claim 55 including a plurality of stacked
sections held in a stack by a tensioning element.
57. A rotary connector core as claimed in claim 56 wherein the stacked sections consist
of alternating conductive sections and insulating sections.
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58. A rotary connector core as claimed in claim 56 or 57 wherein the tensioning
element includes a threaded shaft which engages with a complementary threaded
element to tension the stacked sections in a cylindrical form.
59. A compliant mounting element configured to engage with a socket coupling and a
5 rotary connector core so as to allow movement between the socket coupling and
rotary connector core about the compliant mounting element.
60. A compliant mounting element as claimed in claim 59 configured to provide a
waterproof seal between the rotary connector core and the socket body.
61. A rotary connector core comprising a plurality of stacked sections consist of
10 alternating conductive sections and insulating sections tensioned together to
maintain a cylindrical form by a tensioning element between the top and bottom of
the stack.
62. A socket body including a compliant mounting element.
63. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 43 wherein the compliant
15 mounting element allows the rotary connector core to non-destructively deflect by
at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees, when a force of between 2.5 and 20
Newtons applied laterally or normal to the distal end of the rotary connector core.
64. A socket coupling as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 43 wherein the compliant
mounting element is formed of a material having a DMTA damping factor of
20 between 0.05 to 0.8, preferably between 0.05 to 0.5, over a temperature range of
-20° C. to 100° C.
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AMENDED CLAIMS
received by the International Bureau on 22 July 2021 (22.07.2021)
1. A prosthesis coupling configured to rotatably and releasably engage with a race of a
socket coupling, the prosthesis coupling comprising:
a. a first sleeve including a first annular ball race section;
b. a second sleeve having a second annular ball race section; and
c. bearings provided within a race formed by the first ball race section and the
second ball race section;
wherein the first and second sleeves may be relatively moved such that:
1. in a first configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are brought together, the bearings are
constrained to an outer annular zone, preventing removal of the
prosthesis coupling when engaged with a socket coupling; and
11. in a second configuration, in which the first ball race section and the
second ball race section are moved apart, the bearings may move to
an inner annular zone, allowing removal of the connector from a
socket.
2. A prosthesis connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second sleeves
are relatively rotatable and have ramp sections configured such that upon relative
20 rotation of the inner and outer sleeves the spacing between the first ball race section
and the second ball race section may be varied.
3. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a locking
mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second sleeves unless
actuated.
21
AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
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4. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the locking
mechanism engages with locking features provided on the sleeves in its locking
position to prevent relative rotation with respect to the other sleeve.
5. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism moves
5 axially between the locking position and an unlocked position.
6. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism moves
transversely to the axis of the coupling between the locking position and an
unlocked position.
7. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism rotates
lO relative to the socket coupling between locked and an unlocked positions.
8. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism is in
the form of a locking ring having a plurality of axial projections which engage with
a plurality of locking features provided on the sleeves.
9. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 8 wherein the locking ring is moved
15 axially between locked and unlocked positions by the movement of opposing first
and second ramps and a linkage between the locking ring and the second ramp.
10. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 9 wherein a button is linked to the first
ramp and configured so that movement of the button effects relative movement
between the first and second ramps.
20 11. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 10 wherein a plurality of buttons are
connected to respective ramps.
12. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 3 wherein the locking mechanism
engages features of both the first and second sleeves to prevent relative rotation
between the sleeves.
25 13. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism is a
pin movable relative to the sleeves between a first position in which the pin engages
22
AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
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features of the first and second sleeves to prevent rotation and a second position in
which relative rotation of the sleeves is allowed.
14. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 13 wherein the features are apertures in
the sleeves.
5 15. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein an actuating mechanism moves
the first and second sleeves relatively in the axial direction between the first and
second configurations.
16. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 13 where the actuating mechanism is in
the form of a lever and cam arrangement.
lO 17. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the
bearings are ball bearings.
18. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the
first and second sleeves are biased towards the second configuration.
19. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 18 wherein a spring biases the first and
15 second sleeves towards the second configuration.
20. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 19 wherein a torsion spring biases the
first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.
21. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 20 wherein a helical torsion spring biases
the first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.
20 22. A prosthesis coupling as claimed in claim 21 wherein the helical torsion spring is
provided within the first sleeve and includes a leg passing through a slot in the first
sleeve to engage with the second sleeve.