Solution
Since the end of 2010, Ottobock has been using
iglidur J guide rings in its pneumatic prosthetic knee joints for guidance with great success. They transfer the lateral forces that occur during the swing phase from the pneumatic pistons to the pneumatic cylinder with little friction and wear.
Since replacing the PTFE guide belts originally used, the number of complaints about leaking pneumatics due to worn piston guides has fallen to almost zero.
Another advantage of the iglidur J guide rings is the significantly simplified assembly. Whereas PTFE guide bands still had to be cut to length individually, the guide rings can now be clipped into the appropriate piston groove effortlessly and quickly.
Thanks to the special design of the iglidur J guide ring, a cost-effective and reliable rapid venting function could also be integrated into the knee joint. This additional function makes the gait pattern appear much more harmonious, especially when changing from a medium to a high walking speed