PDS0002.USC2
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`PROSTHETIC PARTIAL FINGERS
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`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
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`[0001]
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/164,480,
`
`filed February 1, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
`
`16/688,719, filed November 19, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`
`Application Serial No. 62/769,360 filed November 19, 2018, the contents of which are
`
`incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
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`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
`
`[0002]
`
`This invention was made with government support under grant numbers
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`1 41 HD096942-01 awarded by the NIH NICHD. The governmenthascertain rightsin
`
`the invention.
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`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0003]
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`Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prosthetic
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`devices. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to
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`prosthetic partial fingers.
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`BACKGROUND
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`[0004]
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`There are an estimated 500,000 amputees with partial hand amputations.
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`Various types of prosthetic devices can be used to replace a missing body parts (e€.g., a
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`limb, a finger, etc.). The most common upper limb amputation is partial hand
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`amputation with loss of one or more fingers. Sometraditional devices are purely
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`cosmetic and providestatic limb replacements no movementor functionality. Other
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`devices are body poweredwith cabling to the wrist joint or palm of the hand. When the
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`wrist or palm of the hand is flexed that will cause the prosthetic device to automatically
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`flex. Moreover, in order to maintain flexion of the finger with these traditional cabled
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`devices, the user mustcontinually flex the wrist or palm. This can betiring when
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`manual performing tasks that require flexion of the fingers for an extended period of
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`time (e€.g., mowing the lawn). Moreover, these traditional devices typically do not create
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`much mechanical advantage and break easily. As such, new prosthetic designs are
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`-1-
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`neededto provide a costeffective set of fingers that provide a robust set of anatomical
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`restorations.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`SUMMARY
`
`[0005]
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`Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prosthetic
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`devices. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to
`
`prosthetic partial fingers. Some embodiments comprise a proximal phalange, a distal
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`phalange coupled to the proximal phalange, and a knuckle track formed in an arc and
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`configured to be moveably coupled to the proximal phalange.
`
`In accordance with
`
`various embodiments, the proximal phalange, the distal phalange, and the knuckle
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`track, can be made out of different materials (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.).
`
`In some
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`embodiments, the knuckle track can include multiple teeth formed on a first side on
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`which the proximal phalange slides along. The proximal phalange can include a
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`ratcheting mechanism to contact the multiple teeth to allow sliding in onlya first
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`direction while the ratcheting mechanism is engaged. Some embodimentsinclude
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`release mechanism (e.g., a button) configured to disengage the ratcheting mechanism
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`from the multiple teeth to allow the distal phalange to slide in a second direction.
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`In
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`some embodiments, the distal phalange can be coupled to the proximal phalange using
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`a SCrew.
`
`[0006]
`
`Some embodiments provide for method that includes exposing a mounting
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`hole on a mounting bracket after lamination to provide one or more points of
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`attachment. The mounting bracket can capture a knuckle track beneath providing a
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`low-profile installation. One or more extensions of the mounting bracket can be bent to
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`conform the mounting bracket to a socket shape.
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`[0007]
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`Some embodiments provide for a device comprising a knuckle track formed
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`in an arc, a proximal phalange, a distal phalange, and a means for coupling the distal
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`phalange to the proximal phalange.
`
`In accordance with some embodiments, the
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`proximal phalange can include a means for moveably coupling the proximal phalange to
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`the knuckle track that allows the proximal phalange to slide in onlyafirst direction until
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`released.
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`In some embodiments, the distal phalange can be coupledto the proximal
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`phalange using a screw.
`
`[0008]
`
`Some embodiments include a device having a proximal phalange, a distal
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`phalange coupled to the proximal phalange, a knuckle track moveably coupled to the
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`proximal phalange, a ratcheting mechanism to contact multiple teeth to allow sliding in
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`only a first direction while the ratcheting mechanism is engaged, and a release button
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`configured to disengage the ratcheting mechanism from the multiple teeth to allow
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`motion of the distal phalange or proximal phalange.
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`[0009]
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`In some embodiments, a mounting hole can be exposed on a mounting
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`bracketafter lamination to provide one or more points of attachment. The mounting
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`bracket can capture a knuckle track beneath providing a low-profile installation. One or
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`more extensions of the mounting bracket can be bent to conform the mounting bracket
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`to a socket shape.
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`[0010]
`
`While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodimentsof the
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`present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
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`detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the
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`technology. Aswill be realized, the technology is capable of modifications in various
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`aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present technology. Accordingly,
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`the drawings and detailed description are to be regardedasillustrative in nature and not
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`restrictive.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`[0011]
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`Embodiments of the present technology will be described and explained
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`through the use of the accompanying drawings.
`
`[0012]
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`Fig. 1A illustrates an example of a hand with a partial finger amputation in
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`which some embodiments of the present technology may beutilized.
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`[0013]
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`Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an example of a prosthetic device
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`according to one or more embodimentsof the present technology.
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`[0014]
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`Fig. 1C illustrates an example of the range of motion of a prosthetic device
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`secured to a hand with a silicone and hard shell prosthetic socket to a partial finger
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`amputation.
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`[0015]
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`Figs. 2A-2Cillustrate various views of an example of a mounting bracketfor
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`a prosthetic finger system that may be used in accordance with various embodimentsof
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`the present technology.
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`[0016]
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`Fig. 3A illustrates an alignment guide that may be used in accordance with
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`one or more embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0017]
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`Fig. 3B illustrates an example of a lamination dummy that may be usedin
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`accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0018]
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`Fig. 3C illustrates how the alignment guide and lamination dummyin Figs.
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`3A-3B can connect in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0019]
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`Figs. 4A-4B illustrates a partial prosthetic device in an extended and flexed
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`position according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0020]
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`Figs. 5A-5D illustrate various views of an assembled partial system in
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`accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0021]
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`Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded viewof a partial finger system illustrating
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`various component that may be present in accordance with one or more embodiments
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`of the present technology.
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`[0022]
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`Figs. 7A-7Cillustrate various views of a knuckle track that may be usedin
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`various embodiments of the present technology.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`[0023]
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`Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a mounting tab that may be used in
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`accordance with various embodimentsof the present technology.
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`[0024]
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`Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a set of operations for building a partial
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`finger system in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0025]
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`Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a set of componentsfor a three-
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`dimensional printing system that may be used in one or more embodiments of the
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`present technology.
`
`[0026]
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`Fig. 11 is example of a computer system that may be used in accordance
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`with various embodiments of the present technology.
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`[0027]
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`The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Similarly, some
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`components and/or operations may be separated into different blocks or combinedinto
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`a single block for the purposes of discussion of some of the embodiments of the present
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`technology. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to various modifications and
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`alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
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`drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however,is notto limit the
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`technology to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the technologyis
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`intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope
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`of the technology as defined by the appendedclaims.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0028]
`
`Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prosthetic
`
`devices. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to
`
`prosthetic partial finger designs. One of the most common upper limb amputations is
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`the partial finger amputation.
`
`Individuals with partial finger amputations often retain one
`
`or more fingers and the missing limbs often include a residual limb that a prothesis can
`
`be mounted onto. Traditional designs are ineffective in allowing the individual to
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`perform manual tasks over longer periods of time (€.g., mowing the lawn, using a
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`hammer, etc.) as these traditional devices are purely cosmetic and do notrestore any of
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`the lost functionality or have complex cabling systems which require the individual to
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`maintain a flexed wrist or palm.
`
`[0029]
`
`In contrast, various embodiments of the present technology provide a
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`partial finger device that can mimic the last two joints of the finger. Some embodiments
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`use a passive design without any cabling but instead include a ratcheting mechanism
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`that allows the individual to position the device independent of the posture of the
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`residual limb. Upon completion a release button can be engagedto release the
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`ratcheting mechanism and allow the finger to be extended.
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`In some embodiments, the
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`ratcheting mechanism provides multiple distinct amounts of finger flexion (e.g., five
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`states, ten states, fifteen states, etc.).
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`In some embodiments, the device mayinclude a
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`spring-back capability that automatically extends the finger after reaching full finger
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`flexion, enabling one-handed use. A mounting track can be used in some embodiments
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`to provide a center of rotation about the physiological joint recreating the physiological
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`kinematics. Some embodiments can use of a metal laser sintering 3D printer to
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`manufacture the components allows for unique mechanical designs to provide high
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`strength at a low weight. The fingers can be scaledto larger or smaller hand sizes and
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`customized to match the physiological hand.
`
`[0030]
`
`Some embodiments of the present technology provide a non-powered
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`ratcheting mechanical prosthetic partial finger. A mounting kit can contain everything
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`neededfor a trained prosthetist to install one (1) to four (4) point partial(s) into a
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`prosthetic socket, including mounting brackets, alignment/lamination tools, and
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`mounting screws. The mounting bracket used in some embodiments can provide an
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`attachment point between the prosthetic socket and the prosthetic finger. Two
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`mounting brackets may be usedfor each prosthetic finger device in some embodiments.
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`The mounting bracket can be aligned on the socket and laminatedinto the socket by a
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`trained prosthetist or technician. Using the mounting screws, lamination spacers can be
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`attached to the mounting bracket during the lamination process in place of some
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`embodimentsof the prosthetic fingers to maintain the mounting location. After
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`lamination, the prosthetic digit can be attached to the mounting bracket using the
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`mounting screws.
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`[0031]
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`Various embodiments of the present technology provide for a wide range of
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`technical effects, advantages, and/or improvements to computing systems and
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`components. For example, various embodiments include one or more ofthe following
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`technical effects, advantages, and/or improvements: 1) prosthetic partial finger that is
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`durable and can withstand high loads; 2) integrated use of three-dimensionalprinting to
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`fabricate complex mechanical prosthetic devices that can be automatically scaled; 3)
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`unique spherical ratcheting mechanism allowing for prolonged flexion without continued
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`effort on behalf of the user; 4) use of unconventional and non-routine computer
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`operations to automatically scale point pivot system design to match the size of the
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`physiological hand; 5) mounting track provides a center of rotation about the
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`physiological joint recreating the physiological kinematics; 6) push button allowsfor the
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`finger design to be extended when engaged; and/or 7) unique manufacturing processes
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`to handle complex system integration.
`
`[0032]
`
`In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous
`
`specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
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`embodiments of the present technology.
`
`It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
`
`the art that embodiments of the present technology may be practiced without some of
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`these specific details. While, for convenience, embodiments of the present technology
`
`are described with reference to single independent ratcheting prosthetic finger, other
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`embodiments can use a cable to flex the finger instead of external objects which are
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`necessary with the original design.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`[0033]
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`For example, the cable could be anchored to the amputee and wrist flexion
`
`would causethe cable to pull tension and flex the finger. As another example, some
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`embodiments can provide a coupled prosthetic finger arrangement. As such, a fixture
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`can beinstalled between prosthetic fingers so that the flexion of one finger causes
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`flexion (potentially at varying degrees) acrossall other fingers. Still yet, some
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`embodiments can provide for a prosthetic thumb.
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`In some of these embodiments, a
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`prosthetic thumb can have phalange lengths and geometries adjustedtofit the form of a
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`thumb. However, the ratcheting technology could still be used. As another example,
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`some embodiments can be usedfor pediatric and/or women sized digits. Women and
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`children are under-served populations in upper limb prosthetics since most devices are
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`too large. By using the design of the prosthetic finger, and the custom scaling
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`techniques, various embodiments allow for the creation of a smaller version for patients
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`with smaller intact anatomy.
`
`[0034]
`
`The phrases "in some embodiments,"
`
`"according to some embodiments,"
`
`"in the embodiments shown,"
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`"in other embodiments," and the like generally mean the
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`particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phraseis includedin at least
`
`one implementation of the present technology, and may be included in more than one
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`implementation.
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`In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same
`
`embodiments or different embodiments.
`
`[0035]
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`Fig. 1A illustrates an example of a hand 100 with a partial finger amputation
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`in which some embodimentsof the present technology maybeutilized. Asillustrated in
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`hand 100, Fig. 1B illustrates an example of a prosthetic finger prosthetic device
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`according to one or more embodimentsof the present technology.
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`In accordance with
`
`various embodiments, a partial finger (or multiple partial finger) prosthetic device can
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`serve people with amputation(s) (e.g., 110 and 120) between the metacarpophalangeal
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`(MCP)joint 130 and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint 140 on the index, middle,
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`ring, and/or little fingers asillustrated in Fig. 1A. Some embodiments provide
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`anatomical flexion and rotation around the PIP joint 140. Some embodiments of the
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`prosthetic finger system include the finger prosthesis and mounting brackets (Fig. 2).
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`[0036]
`
`Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an example of a prosthetic device 150
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`according to one or more embodiments of the present technology. Prosthetic finger
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`design 150 illustrated in Fig. 1B can serve people with amputation between the
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`metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint 130 and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint 140
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`as described in Fig. 1A. Asillustrated in Fig. 1B, some embodiments can include a
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`proximal phalange 155, a distal phalange 160 coupled to the proximal phalange 155,
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`and a knuckle track 165 formedin an arc to allow for placement around residual portion
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`of afinger. The knuckle track 165 can be configured to be moveably coupled to the
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`proximal phalange 155.
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`In some embodiments, knuckle track 165 and proximal
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`phalange 155 can moverelative through each other through a sliding joint, pin joint, or
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`the like.
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`In some embodiments, the distal phalange 160 can be coupled to the proximal
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`phalange 15 using a screw, pin, or other component.
`
`[0037]
`
`In accordance with various embodiments, the proximal phalange 155, the
`
`distal phalange 160, and the knuckle track 165, can be made out of different materials
`
`(e.g., plastic, metal, etc.).
`
`In some embodiments, the knuckle track 165 can include
`
`multiple teeth 167 formed onafirst side on which the proximal phalange 155 slides
`
`along. The prosthetic device 150 can also include a link bar 170 (or a link chain)
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`connecting the distal phalange 160 to the curved knuckle track 165. The link bar 170
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`can cause the distal phalange 160 to moverelative to both the proximal phalange 155
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`and the knuckle track 165 as the proximal phalange 155 moves relative to the knuckle
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`track 165. The proximal phalange 155 can include a ratcheting mechanism 157 to
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`contact the multiple teeth 167 to allow sliding in onlyafirst direction 158 while the
`
`ratcheting mechanism 157 is engaged. Some embodimentsinclude release
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`mechanism (e.g., a release button 175) configured to disengage the ratcheting
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`mechanism 157 from the multiple teeth 167 to allow the distal phalange 160 to slide ina
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`second direction 159.
`
`[0038]
`
`In the embodimentillustrated in Fig. 1B, release mechanism 175 may
`
`include a linkage to a fixed pivot point 180 so that upon engagement of the release
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`mechanism, the opposite end of the linkage is lifted allowing the proximal phalange 155
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`to slide in any direction on the knuckle track 165 without engaging the multiple teeth
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`167.
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`In some embodiments, an elastic restoring force 171 may movethe partial finger
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`in a second direction 159 relative to the knuckle track 165 resulting in extension of the
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`partial finger 173 when the release mechanism 175 is activated. Some embodiments of
`
`the knuckle track 165 may include protruding stops 166 (also shownin Figs. 4A and 4B)
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`that disengage the release button 175 from the ratcheting mechanism 157 allowing an
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`elastic restoring force 171 (e.g., a torsion spring 172 located in the interface 185
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`between the distal phalange 160 and the proximal phalange 155) to movethe partial
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`finger in the second direction 159 without effort from the user.
`
`[0039]
`
`Fig. 1C illustrates an example of the range of motion 190 of a prosthetic
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`finger prosthetic device 150 secured to a hand 192 with a partial point finger
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`amputation. Asillustrated in Figs. 1B and 1C, the prosthetic finger device 150 can
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`provide a passive functional mechanically articulating prosthetic device for people with 1
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`— 4 partial finger (e.g., index, middle, ring, little) amputation(s) between the
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`metacarpophalangeal (MCP)joints and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints.
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`(see,
`
`e.g., Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B) The knuckle track can be positioned on a prosthetic socket
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`194 to allow for a PIP center of rotation 196. The length 198 of the prosthetic finger
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`device 150 can be customized along with other dimensions (e.g., radius and sub-
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`lengths of the distal and proximal phalanges)for differing limb sizes (e.g., that of a child
`
`or size of an individual).
`
`[0040]
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`Figs. 2A-2Cillustrate various views of an example of a mounting bracketfor
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`a prosthetic finger system that may be used in accordance with various embodimentsof
`
`the present technology.
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`In accordance with various embodiments, one (1) to four (4)
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`prosthetic partial fingers 150, can be installed onto a mounting system.
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`In some
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`embodiments, the mounting system can include: 1) two (2) mounting brackets (see,
`
`e.g., Figs. 2A-2C) for integrating each prosthetic finger device into a prosthetic socket
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`194 in Fig. 1C (e.g., silicone and hard shell socket fabricated by a certified prosthetist or
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`technician); 2) one (1) to four (4) lamination spacers (equal to the number of prosthetic
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`finger devices); and 3) two (2) to eight (8) mounting screws(e.g., two (2) per prosthetic
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`finger device).
`
`[0041]
`
`Some embodiments of the prosthetic device can include (or consist only of)
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`a custom prosthetic socket (e.g., 194 in Fig. 1C) and the terminal device. The custom
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`prosthetic socket can be generally fabricated by a certified prosthetist or technician, and
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`may consists of a soft inner liner (e.g., silicone), and a hard outer shell (e.g., carbon
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`fiber).
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`In some embodiments, the terminal device can be a prosthetic partial finger (see,
`
`e.g., 150 in Figs. 1B-1C). The bridge betweenthe terminal device (e.g., prosthetic
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`finger) and the prosthetic socket can be the mounting bracket 200 asillustrated in Figs.
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`2A-2C. The mounting bracket 200 may beintegrated into the prosthetic socket by way
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`of lamination in some embodiments. As such, only a mounting point 210 may be
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`exposed (Fig. 2A). The mounting point can be usedtofix the prosthetic device to the
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`prosthetic socket.
`
`[0042]
`
`In accordance with various embodiments, mounting bracket 200 may
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`include on or morelattice structures 220 (e.g., made of metal) to create a foundation
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`allowing socket material to adhere. The one or morelattice structures 220 can be
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`connected in an anatomical alignment via linking members 230. The mounting points
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`210 may be threaded mounting holes that can be usedto affix the multiple metallattice
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`structure to a prosthetic finger.
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`In some embodiments, mounting bracket 200 may
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`include a mounting tab which can be conformed to a shape of a socket and provide
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`additional structural support for the multiple metal lattice structures.
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`[0043]
`
`Fig. 3Aillustrates an alignment guide 300 that may be used in accordance
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`with one or more embodimentsof the present technology. Fig. 3B illustrates an
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`example of a lamination dummy 310 (or lamination tool) that may be used in
`
`accordance with some embodiments of the present technology. The alignment guide
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`300 and lamination tool 320 that can be attached to brackets that may be used in
`
`accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology.
`
`In some
`
`embodiments, the brackets may be bent to conform to a prosthetic socket(e.g.,
`
`fabricated bycertified prosthetist or technician), and the assembly can be tacked (or
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`otherwise secured) to the socketprior to lamination. The lamination dummy 310 can
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`create a void in a finished socket to allow mounting of a partial finger prosthetic device.
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`The alignment tool 320 can be attached to the lamination dummy asillustrated in the
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`sequence shownin Fig. 3C. The alignment tool mimics a full range of motion a
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`prosthetic partial finger prosthetic device in a plane of motion when in useby a patient.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`Fitting Process
`
`[0044]
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`Various embodimentsof the prosthetic finger system can be compatible
`
`with mostprosthetic sockets and installed into the prosthetic socket by a trained
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`prosthetist or technician. The mounting bracket can be integrated into a custom
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`prosthetic socket through the following steps; 1) alignment, 2) lamination, and 3) device
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`installation.
`
`[0045]
`
`Alignment can be performed using the alignment/lamination tool to align the
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`bracket appropriately on the socket. Two (2) brackets can be attached to the alignment
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`tool using the mounting screws. The alignment tool/bracket assembly can then be
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`optimally positioned by the prosthetist on the socket. The bracket tabs can be bent to
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`conform to the socket shape, and then the mounting brackets are tacked onto the
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`socket using medical grade adhesive.
`
`[0046]
`
`During the lamination process, socket material can be added to the
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`assembly to embed the mounting bracket tabs into the socket. The
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`alignment/lamination tool can beleft in place during lamination to maintain the mounting
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`location for each prosthetic finger. The tool prevents any socket material or resin from
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`obstructing the prosthetic finger mounting space. After lamination, the
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`alignment/lamination tool can be removed, and each prosthetic finger can be bolted
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`onto the mounting bracket using two (2) mounting screws in some embodiments.
`
`[0047]
`
`The following features of various embodiments of the prosthetic finger
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`mounting bracket provide several competitive advantages over other technologies:
`
`1) Exposed mounting hole.
`
`In accordance with various embodiments, the
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`mounting hole on the mounting bracket can be exposed after lamination,
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`providing an easy point of attachment for the prosthetic finger. Attachment
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`points for competing technologies are inside the socket, which complicates
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`installation.
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`2) Bracket location.
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`In some embodiments, the mounting bracket captures the
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`prosthetic finger knuckle track beneath it, providing a low-profile installation.
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`In contrast, the mounting brackets of competing technologies lie underneath
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`the terminal device, increasing build height.
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`3) Thin bracketprofile.
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`In some embodiments, the mounting bracket can be
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`made of stainless steel and may have an optimized thickness to provide
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`enough stability for the prosthetic finger device while maintaining enough
`
`malleability to easily bend it to conform to the socket shape. The thin bracket
`
`also enables a low-profile installation.
`
`= Relief holes.
`
`In some embodiments, holes can be strategically placed
`
`throughout the mounting bracket tabs to promote bonding during lamination
`
`for added strength, and to facilitate malleability during alignment prior to
`
`lamination.
`
`[0048]
`
`Figs. 4A-4B illustrates a partial prosthetic device in an extended 400 and
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`flexed 450 position according to one or more embodiments of the present technology.
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`In accordance with various embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism provides multiple
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`(e.g., ten) distinct amounts of finger flexion. The push button can allow for the finger to
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`be extended when engaged. A spring-back capability, present in some embodiments,
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`can extend the finger after reaching full finger flexion, enabling one-handed use. The
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`mounting track 460 can provide a center of rotation about the physiological joint
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`recreating the physiological kinematics.
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`In some embodiments, a metal laser sintering
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`3D printer (see, e.g., Fig. 10) can be used to manufacture the componentsallowsfor
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`unique mechanical designs to provide high strength at a low weight. The fingers can
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`also be scaled to larger or smaller hand sizes and customized to match the
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`physiological hand.
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`[0049]
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`Figs. 5A-5D illustrate various views of an assembled partial system 500 in
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`accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.
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`In the embodiments
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`illustrated in Figs. 5A-5D, the assembled partial system 500 can include a proximal
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`phalange 510, a distal phalange 520 coupled to the proximal phalange 510 creating a
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`joint 530, and a curved knuckle track 540 moveably coupled to the proximal phalange
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`510.
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`In some embodiments, the curved knuckle track, the proximal phalange, and the
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`distal phalange include a ratcheting mechanism to contact multiple teeth to allow
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`movement in onlyafirst direction while the ratcheting mechanism is engaged. A
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`release button (e.g., 175, shownin Fig. 1B), when engaged, disengages the ratcheting
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`-14-
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`mechanism from the multiple teeth allowing a load from a spring (or other elastic
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`restorative force) to move the proximal phalange 510 or the distal phalange 520 in a
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`second direction.
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`[0050]
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`In some embodiments, curved knuckle track 540 can include an aperture
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`550 allow for connection of one end of a linking bar or chain 560. Asillustrated in Figs.
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`5A-5D, the linking bar or chain 560 maybepositioned internally to tot he assembled
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`partial system 500 connecting the curved knuckle track to the distal phalange 520
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`causing flexion of the distal phalange 520 relative to the proximal phalange 510 via joint
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`530. Some embodiments can include props 168 (also shownin Fig. 1B), when
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`engaged, disengage the release button from the ratcheting mechanism allowing a load
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`from a spring to move the proximal phalange or the distal phalange in the second
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`direction. The curved knuckle track 540 can include a channel 169 (e.g., as shownin
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`Figs. 4A and 4B) on lateral edges ofa first side to allow the props 168 to engage.
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`In
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`some embodiments, the curved knuckle track 540 can have protruding stopsata first
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`end corresponding to full flexion of a finger created by the proximal phalange 510 and
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`the distal phalange 520. The protruding stops may be adjustable or moveable along the
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`curved knuckle track 540 resulting in a change in the full flexion of the finger created by
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`the proximal phalange 510 and the distal phalange 520.
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`In some embodiments, the
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`proximal phalange reaches full flexion at the end of the curved knuckle track and
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`activates a full flexion spring release point to disengage the ratcheting mechanism.
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`[0051]
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`Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view 600 of a partial finger system illustrating
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`various component that may be present in accordance with one or more embodiments
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`of the present technology. Asillustrated in Fig. 6, some embodiments of the partial
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`finger system mayinclude a distal phalange 610, a connecting rod 620, a proximal
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`phalange 630, link bar 640, a release mechanism 650, knuckle track 660, ratcheting
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`mechanism 670, and a screw 680. The distal phalange 610 can be coupled to the
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`proximal phalange 630 using screw 680 (or other coupling member). The knuckle track
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`660 can be formed in an arc and configured to be coupled to the proximal phalange 630
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`via rails or bars alongside the knuckle track 660. Figs. 7A-7Cillustrate various viewsof
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`a knuckle track 660 that may be used in various embodiments of the present
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`technology.
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`[0052] The knuckle track can include multiple teeth formed onafirst side on which
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`PDS0002.USC2
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`the proximal phalange 630 slides along. The ratcheting mechanism 670 can contact the
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`multiple teeth to allow sliding in only a first direction while the ratcheting mechanism is
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`engaged. The release button 650 can coupledto the proximal phalange 630 using bar
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`640. Release button 650 when pressed can rotate around a pivot point created by bar
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`640 and disengage the ratcheting mechanism from the multiple teeth (e.g., at leastfive,
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`ten, fifteen, or more) to allow the distal phalange 610 and/or proximal phalange 630 to
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`slide in a second direction.
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`[0053]
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`In some embodiments, the knuckle track 660 rounds in a lateral direction
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`anda transverse direction relative to the multiple teeth so that the arc forms a sector of
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`a sphere. The distal phalange 610, the knuckle track 660, and the release button 650
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`mayall be printed using additive manufacturing techniques and systems (e.g., a three-
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`dimensional printer).
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`In some embodiments, a design tool may automatically scale
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`(e.g., by a computer system) dimensions of the device based on a parameterized model
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`of the device and wherein the computer system controls the three-dimensional printer to
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`print the device in accordance with the dimensions. The link bar 640 and distal
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`phalange 610 can be three-dimensionally printed assembledwith a live-hinge in some
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`embodiments. One or more props 675 and the proximal phalange 630 maybe printed
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`by a three-dimensional printer assembled with a live-hinge (e.g., live-hinge 181, as
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`shown in Fig. 1B). The proximal phalange 630 and the distal phalange 610 may be
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`shapedin a form of a finger, thumb, or a toe.
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`In addition, in some embodiments, partial
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`finger system mayinclude a ridge simulating a fingernail on the distal phalange 610.
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`[0054]
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`The connecting rod 620 can have a proximal end and a distal end. The
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`proximal end can be affixed to the knuckle track 660 and the distal end is affixed to the
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`distal phalange 610. For example, in some embodiments, the proximal phalange 630
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`may include an opening through which the connecting rod 620 is positioned. As the
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`proximal phalange 630 is slides along the knuc