Sealing ring with features for multi-stage vacuum generation in prosthetic sockets

Abstract

Sealing ring (10) for generating a vacuum (50), which is pulled over a prosthesis liner (30) and, when inserted into a prosthesis shaft (40), enables a multi-stage seal due to its curved shape and perforation (20), characterized in that the perforation (20) is closed during compression and thereby creates an additional internal vacuum (50) in the sealing ring (10).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing ring (10) for vacuum (50) prosthetics, in particular for use between a prosthetic liner (30) and a prosthetic socket (40). The aim is the multi-stage and reliable generation of a vacuum (50) to improve the fixation of the liner in the socket. The solution is based on a special combination of shape, material properties and perforations (20) that enable controlled vacuum formation. 2. State of the art

[0002] In the prior art, sealing rings (10) are used to achieve a seal between the denture liner (30) and the denture stem (40). These sealing rings are usually fully bonded or slid onto the liner and have little flexibility, which leads to the following problems: • Uncontrolled vacuum generation • Uneven distribution of the vacuum, unstable fixation of the liner in the shaft • Increased pressure on the stump and reduced wearing comfort

[0003] Current approaches do not allow for differentiated control of vacuum conditions and do not offer redundant sealing protection. 3. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a sealing ring (10) that ensures a multi-stage, stable and reliable vacuum (50) generation between the prosthetic liner (30) and the prosthetic socket (40). This is intended to achieve improved fixation of the liner, which increases wearing comfort, stability and safety for the patient. 4. Solution to the task

[0005] The solution is achieved by a sealing ring (10) with: • Curved shape to adapt to the inner wall of the shaft • Specially dimensioned perforations (20) that close under pressure • Airtight, self-adhesive material for a tight connection with the denture liner (30)

[0006] This design enables multi-stage vacuum generation: 1. Fit the sealing ring over the liner ◯ The sealing ring (10) is pulled over the prosthesis liner (30). ◯ Self-adhesive material ensures a form-fitting and airtight connection. 2. Getting into the prosthetic socket (40) ◯ The sealing ring (10) is compressed by the inner wall of the shaft. ◯ The curved shape creates an initial seal. 3. Sealing the perforations (20) ◯ Flexible perforations (20) close under pressure. ◯ Air ducts are hermetically sealed. 4. Vacuum generation (50) ◯ Trapped air in the ring area is isolated. ◯ A stable, locally confined vacuum is created in the sealing ring (10). 5. Dual Fixation Principle ◯ External vacuum (60): Main vacuum throughout the entire prosthetic socket (40). ◯ Internal vacuum (50): Additional vacuum in the sealing ring (10), additional fixation of the liner. Advantages: • Uniform sealing • High wearing comfort • Reduced risk of stump slippage • Adaptation to different shaft geometries 5. Embodiments of the invention 1. Material variants: ◯ Elastomers, silicones or thermoplastic elastomers for flexibility and airtightness ◯ Self-adhesive surface for a form-fitting connection with the liner 2. Perforation design: ◯ Ring-shaped and evenly distributed ◯ Designed to reliably seal under pressure 3. Position in the prosthetic socket: Especially in the lower half to reinforce the distal seal 4. Geometry: ◯ Curved shape for optimal fit ◯ Cross-section that supports both compression and air storage 5. Multi-stage operating principle: ◯ First stage: mechanical compression ◯ Second stage: Sealing the perforations ◯ Third stage: Formation of negative pressure 6. Detailed functional description • The patient puts on the prosthetic liner (30). • The sealing ring (10) is pulled over the liner. • When inserted into the shaft (40), the sealing ring is compressed and lies against the inner wall of the shaft. • Perforations (20) close under pressure. • Air is trapped, a vacuum (50) is created. • Dual fixation principle with external vacuum (60) ensures safe and stable positioning.

[0007] Optional: • Several sealing rings can be combined for even more differentiated vacuum generation. • Perforations can vary in size and shape to allow adaptation to individual shaft geometries. 8. Reference numeral 10 sealing rings 20 perforations 30 prosthesis lines 40 prosthetic socket 50 vacuum in the sealing ring 60 vacuum in the prosthetic socket 9. Character description Fig. : Fitting the sealing ring onto the liner Fig. : Sealing ring in cross-section (detail) Fig. : Sealing ring in the shaft Fig. : 3D representation of the sealing ring with perforations Fig. : Cross-section showing detail of the perforations

Claims

[1] Sealing ring (10) for vacuum (50) generation, which is pulled over a prosthesis liner (30) and, when inserted into a prosthesis stem (40), enables a multi-stage seal due to its curved shape and perforation (20), characterized by , that the perforation (20)s are closed during compression, thereby creating an additional internal vacuum (50) in the sealing ring (10). [2] Sealing ring (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the material is airtight and self-adhesive, so that a form-fitting connection with the prosthetic liner (30) is created. [3] Sealing ring (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vacuum in the sealing ring(50) acts in addition to the main vacuum (60) in the prosthesis shaft (40). [4] Sealing ring (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is located in the lower half of the prosthesis stem (40) to enhance the seal at the distal end. [5] Sealing ring (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the perforations (20) are ring-shaped, evenly distributed and dimensioned so that they reliably close under pressure.

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