Adjustable Prosthetic Socket with Detachable Back Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-operative prosthetic systems for trans-tibial amputees require multiple sockets to accommodate varying limb sizes and conditions during recovery and rehabilitation, limiting adjustability and increasing the number of necessary socket sets.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, adjustable prosthetic system featuring an interface socket with detachable components and a lower socket made of resilient materials, allowing for varying space adjustments to accommodate different limb sizes and conditions, including a base cup, lower and upper back shells connected by flexible struts, and a front shell connected to the base cup by a flexible front strut, enabling secure and comfortable fitting and eventual knee flexion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sockets are used to accommodate varying limb sizes and conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into multiple detachable components: a pelvic component, a femoral component, and a tibial component. These segments can be independently adjusted and reconfigured to accommodate changing limb dimensions and patient needs throughout recovery, eliminating the need for multiple complete socket sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket incorporates adjustable and detachable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The femoral component can be detached from the pelvic component, and various adapters can be exchanged to modify the socket's geometry and fit, enabling adaptation to limb size changes without requiring multiple static socket designs.
2Reliability
If the rear shell is elevated to cover the thigh and immobilize the knee, then reliability is improved during initial recovery, but ease of operation deteriorates when knee flexion is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is segmented into a pelvic component and a femoral component that can be detached from each other. The elevated rear shell is part of the femoral component, which can be removed to allow knee flexion while maintaining immobilization capability when attached, thus resolving the contradiction between initial recovery stability and later mobility needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the pelvic and femoral components is made detachable, allowing the system to dynamically transition between an immobilized state (components attached) for initial recovery and a flexible state (femoral component removed) when knee flexion is required for rehabilitation exercises.
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 system reduces the need for multiple socket sets by allowing adjustments for changing limb sizes and conditions, providing secure and comfortable fit during recovery and rehabilitation, and enabling knee flexion as needed, thus improving mobility and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible back strut... connected to the base cup... a flexible front strut... connected to the base cup
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic apparatus and system for a trans-tibial amputee consisting of a post-operative interface socket that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of an amputated limb and changes in size of the limb. The prosthetic apparatus includes a lower socket into which the post-operative socket can be inserted, the lower socket being adjustable for changes in size of the post-operative interface socket. The post-operative socket also has a removable upper back shell that immobilizes movement of the knee during an initial recovery phase but can be removed to allow the knee of the amputee to flex.