Tensioned Adjustable Prosthetic Socket Panels for Changing Residuum Size

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic devices face challenges in maintaining a secure fit with the residuum due to daily fluctuations in size, often requiring the addition of socks which can lead to discomfort, pressure sores, and inefficiencies in fitting and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable prosthetic system with a socket featuring movable panels and tensioning lines that allow for incremental adjustments to maintain a secure fit with the residuum, accommodating size changes through radial movement of panels relative to a substantially rigid receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size socket is used to interface with the residuum, then the initial fit may be secure, but the socket cannot accommodate daily fluctuations in residuum size, leading to discomfort and pressure sores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to residuum size changesVSAvoidpressure sores and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The socket incorporates movable panels that can shift radially inward or outward relative to the rigid receptacle, allowing the interface to dynamically adapt to changing residuum dimensions throughout the day while maintaining secure contact and distributing pressure evenly to prevent sores

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The socket is divided into multiple movable panels rather than a single rigid structure, enabling independent adjustment of different regions to accommodate localized size changes in the residuum and provide targeted pressure distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If socks are added to accommodate residuum size changes, then the fit can be maintained, but comfort deteriorates and pressure sores increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintaining secure fitVSAvoiddiscomfort and pressure sores

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The socket system automatically adjusts to residuum size changes through the radial movement of panels driven by tensioning lines, eliminating the need for external interventions like adding socks, which cause discomfort and skin irritation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the socket is made completely rigid to maintain structural integrity, then manufacturing and fit initial alignment are simplified, but the ability to adjust to size fluctuations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of socketVSAvoidadjustability to size changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The socket combines a rigid receptacle for structural stability with separate movable panels that can independently shift, allowing the overall structure to maintain integrity while specific regions adapt to size changes through panel movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges rigid and flexible elements by combining the rigid receptacle with movable panels connected via tensioning lines, achieving both structural stability and adaptability within a unified socket structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250268732A1Adjustable devices and related systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 CLICK HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Prosthesis devices can include sockets having adjustable features. In one example, a socket includes one or more panels that can move outwardly or inwardly relative to a receptacle portion of the socket. The panels can be moved by tightening a tensioning line.