Adjustable Prosthetic Socket Radial Fit Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prosthetic sockets are inflexible and fail to accommodate shape and volume fluctuations of residual limbs, leading to discomfort, pain, and soft tissue breakdown, while adjustable sockets often provide inadequate support and force distribution.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable socket system with radially adjustable shell components and longitudinal supports that can change length to accommodate different residual limb sizes, featuring a tightening system for secure fit and improved force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid sockets are used, then structural stability is maintained, but they cannot accommodate shape and volume fluctuations of the residual limb, causing discomfort and tissue breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of shape and volume fluctuationsVSAvoiddiscomfort, pain, and soft tissue breakdown

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The socket system employs adjustable shell components that can be radially repositioned along longitudinal supports to dynamically adapt to changing limb dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the socket to accommodate shape and volume fluctuations without causing harmful pressure points or discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The socket is divided into multiple adjustable shell components (first shell component, second shell component, third shell component) that can be independently repositioned. This segmentation enables localized adaptation to different regions of the residual limb, providing comprehensive accommodation while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable socket systems with multiple components are used, then shape and volume fluctuations are accommodated, but force distribution becomes poor, causing pressure concentration on certain areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of volume and shape fluctuationsVSAvoidpressure concentration on certain areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural framework, enable radial adjustment of shell components, and distribute forces uniformly along the limb. This multi-functionality ensures that adaptability is achieved without compromising force distribution, as the supports are designed to bear and redistribute loads effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different shell components are positioned at specific locations (first shell component at proximal region, second at intermediate, third at distal) with adjustable radial positions. This localized adjustment capability allows each component to adapt to local limb characteristics while maintaining proper force distribution across the entire socket-limb interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional sockets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but they are bulky and cumbersome, making them difficult to don and wear comfortably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidease of donning and wearing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable shell components can be repositioned radially along the longitudinal supports, allowing the socket to be adjusted to the user's limb dimensions. This dynamic adaptability improves ease of donning and wearing comfort while maintaining a streamlined design that does not significantly increase bulk or manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable sockets with multiple components are used, then fit can be adjusted, but the system requires massive inventories of components, increasing expense and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fitVSAvoidinventory of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal supports are designed to accommodate multiple shell components at various positions along their length. This universal design allows a single set of supports to enable adjustment of multiple shell components, reducing the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and minimizing the overall component inventory required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple adjustment functions are merged into the longitudinal support structure, which serves as a common framework for positioning all shell components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts needed compared to systems where each adjustment requires separate components, thereby reducing inventory requirements and expense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11419740B2Adjustable socket system

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 OSSUR ICELAND EHF

AI summary

A prosthetic connector system for use with a prosthetic socket having a distal end includes a plate defining a plurality of holes and attachable to the distal end of the prosthetic socket. A component is removably attachable to the plate via the plurality of holes and arranged to connect a prosthesis to the prosthetic socket. The plate defines an outer periphery having an asymmetrical configuration contoured to substantially correspond to at least a portion of the component when the component is attached to the plate via at least some of the holes.