Adjustable Prosthetic Socket With Articulated Hinge

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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, leading to inefficiencies and increased inventory needs.

Innovation Solution

A single adjustable prosthetic system with a dual-shell design and articulated hinge mechanism that allows for adjustment in size and movement restriction, accommodating swelling and shrinking of the amputee's limb without the need for multiple sockets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sockets are used to accommodate varying limb sizes and conditions, then the system can meet changing limb conditions, but the device complexity and inventory needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying limb sizes and conditionsVSAvoidnumber of sockets required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate sockets (preparatory socket and supra patellar socket) into a single hybrid socket that incorporates both immobilization and mobility features. This single socket integrates the rear shell with extended surface for immobilization and the supra patellar design for mobility, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining adaptability to varying limb conditions throughout recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid socket is designed with multi-functionality to serve both immobilization and mobility purposes. The rear shell with extended surface provides immobilization during initial recovery, while the supra patellar design enables knee flexion for mobility during rehabilitation. This universal design allows one socket to replace multiple specialized sockets, reducing inventory needs while adapting to different recovery stages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sockets of different sizes are used to accommodate limb size changes, then the system can fit varying limb dimensions, but the quantity of components and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of limb size changesVSAvoidnumber of sockets of different sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid socket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the articulated hinge mechanism that allows the supra patellar portion to pivot relative to the rear shell. This dynamic structure enables the socket to adapt to changing limb dimensions and swelling during recovery, providing a flexible fit that accommodates size variations without requiring multiple sockets of different dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the socket restricts knee movement during initial recovery, then the wound healing is protected, but the rehabilitation progress is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound healing protectionVSAvoidrehabilitation progress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid socket is segmented into distinct functional portions: the rear shell with extended surface that provides immobilization for wound protection, and the supra patellar design with articulated hinge that enables controlled knee flexion for rehabilitation. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of wound protection and rehabilitation progress by providing appropriate support and freedom in different anatomical regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated hinge mechanism creates a dynamic connection between the rear shell and supra patellar portion, allowing the knee to transition from immobilized to flexed position as rehabilitation progresses. This dynamic capability enables the socket to maintain wound protection while progressively allowing rehabilitation movements, eliminating the need to choose between healing protection and rehabilitation progress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230293322A1Flexible multi use post operative prosthetic socket system

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 BROWN ROBERT N

AI summary

A single socket adjustable prosthetic system having a first shell with an extended surface configured to fit against a first side of an amputee's limb, the surface terminating at a base; a second shell configured to fit against a second side of the amputee's limb; an articulated hinge having a first member, a middle member, and a second member, the first member having a first plate connected to a second plate at an angle to each other, with the second plate hingedly connected to a first end of the middle member and the second member hingedly attached at a second end of the middle member, the first plate removably connected to the base and the second member of the articulated hinge attached to the second shell; a space between the first shell and the second shell, to be varied to hold, and accommodate the amputee's limb.