Prosthetic knee joint-support phase control

 1. Lock the knee joint manually Manual locking knee joint has a distal pin locker. When the knee is fully extended, the pin will automatically click and lock. Prosthetic users don't have to worry about accidental knee bending when standing, but their knees will walk stiffly. Prosthetics are usually shorter than healthy side limbs to facilitate foot clearance during the swing of the prosthesis. The prosthetic user can unlock the knee joint by pulling the rope outside the socket. Manual locks are recommended for those with hip extensor muscle weakness or problems in balance, endurance or cooperation. It is also useful for people who need to stand for a long time.

2. Automatically lock the knee joint Automatic locking knee joint is stable in the initial stage of standing, but knee bending is allowed in the later stage of standing and swinging. At the initial stage of standing, the wedge is pressed into the curved groove to prevent unnecessary knee bending, especially when the knee is not fully extended for initial contact (for example, when walking on uneven ground). In the later posture and swing period, the weight activates the brake and the lock will be released. This knee joint is suitable for prosthetic users who have just amputated or have poor balance. This knee joint increases weight, mechanical complexity and the cost of artificial limbs. 

SHIJIAZHUANG  AOSUO O&P