Adjustable Volume Breast Prosthesis via Segmented Silicone Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast prostheses lack the ability to be easily customized to fit individual wearer needs, particularly in terms of volume adjustment, which can lead to discomfort and inadequate fit.
Innovation Solution
A procedure for producing a breast prosthesis with a customizable volume, involving the connection of four plastic films to form a template with three chambers, filling these chambers with a networkable silicone mass, and networking the silicone mass to create a cross-linked silicone rubber that allows for volume adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If breast prostheses are made with fixed volume, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to individual wearer needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The breast prosthesis is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) within the shell body, allowing independent volume adjustment of each chamber. This segmentation enables customized volume configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast prosthesis incorporates a fluid communication system with valves that allows dynamic transfer of fluid between chambers and the external environment. This dynamic mechanism enables volume adjustment without complex mechanical components, achieving adaptability while keeping structure simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chambers are used for volume adjustment, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple chambers are combined within a single shell body structure, with fluid communication pathways integrating the chambers into a unified system. This merging approach allows volume adjustment functionality while maintaining a simple manufacturing process, as the chambers are formed as integral parts rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell body serves multiple functions: it contains the chambers, provides structural support, and integrates the fluid communication system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving volume customization through the chamber system.
3Ease of operation
If cross-linked silicone rubber is used, then haptic comfort improves, but volume adjustability may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linked silicone rubber is segmented into multiple chambers within the shell body. Each chamber can be independently filled with fluid, allowing volume adjustment while the cross-linked material maintains its haptic comfort properties. The segmentation prevents the need for complete volume expansion of the entire prosthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid communication system with valves acts as an intermediary mechanism, allowing fluid to be transferred between chambers and the external environment. This intermediary system enables volume adjustment without compromising the haptic comfort provided by the cross-linked silicone rubber material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting breast prosthesis offers improved comfort and fit, as the customizable volume can be adjusted to match the wearer's preferences, reducing the likelihood of discomfort and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
cross-linking the silicone mass
Implementation Method 2
the crosslinking of the silicone mass occurs by increasing the temperature
Implementation Method 3
Phase-change materials serve to improve thermal regulation on the wearer's skin and are therefore preferably blended into the silicone compound of the first shell body
Implementation Method 4
Phase-change materials serve to improve thermal regulation on the wearer's skin
Implementation Method 5
The peripheral joining of the four plastic films according to step (a) can be achieved by peripheral welding
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a breast prosthesis (1) having an adjustable volume, wherein the breast prosthesis comprises a first shell body (10), a second shell body (20) which is circumferentially connected thereto, and a fluid chamber (30) arranged between the shell bodies, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) peripherally joining four plastics films in order to provide a template comprising three chambers; (b) filling the upper and lower chamber with a crosslinkable silicone compound; (c) crosslinking the silicone compound.