Adjustable Prosthetic Socket With Segmented Rigid And Flexible Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic sockets fail to maintain a proper volumetric fit due to residual limb volume changes, leading to discomfort, pain, and instability, especially for bulbous-shaped limbs, as they do not effectively accommodate changes in volume or shape.
Innovation Solution
A socket system comprising a partial rigid support and a non-elastic, flexible support that covers the remaining surface area, with an adjuster to maintain volumetric fit, allowing for hydrostatic weight bearing and skeletal control while accommodating volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid or semi-rigid socket is designed as a 360 degree container surrounding the entire residual limb, then skeletal weight bearing and stabilization are achieved, but the socket cannot accommodate residual limb volume changes, leading to increased pressure and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into two distinct components: a rigid support structure that provides skeletal weight bearing and stabilization, and a flexible support component that accommodates volume changes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the socket have different mechanical properties - the rigid support provides structural strength where needed for weight bearing, while the flexible support provides adaptability where volume changes occur. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
2Strength
If the rigid member is shaped to conform to a portion of the surface area of the residual limb, then skeletal control is maintained, but the uncovered surface area requires additional flexible support to accommodate volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The socket surface is segmented into covered and uncovered portions, with the rigid support conforming to specific areas for skeletal control and the flexible support addressing the remaining surface area to accommodate volume changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support conforms asymmetrically to specific portions of the residual limb surface rather than uniformly covering the entire surface, optimizing skeletal control while allowing the flexible support to address volume changes on the uncovered portions.
3Device complexity
If traditional sockets are used for bulbous-shaped residual limbs, then the socket structure is simple, but the socket pushes past the larger distal dimension to be secured to the smaller proximal dimension, causing donning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support component can dynamically adjust to the bulbous shape of the residual limb during donning, allowing the socket to be easily applied without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or complicated donning procedures.
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 socket system provides comfortable weight bearing and stability, effectively managing volumetric changes in the residual limb, reducing pain and energy wastage, and allowing for a wide range of motion without compromising fit or function.
Implementation Method 1
This is generally achieved with a combination of skeletal weight bearing and hydraulic lift created as the residual limb fluids are pressurized in the socket
Data Source
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AI summary
The present relates to an adjustable prosthetic limb socket system having a partial rigid support, a non-elastic, flexible support and adjustment means. The adjustable socket system of the present invention can be used for several types of amputations including transfemoral amputations, transtibial amputations, transhumeral amputations, transradial amputations, and other types of amputations. The present invention further includes kits having the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system, as well as methods of making the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system. Methods of using the socket system are further encompassed by the present invention.