Adjustable Prosthetic Socket With Heat-Moldable Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prosthetic sockets often fail to provide adequate adjustability and conformability to the residual limb, leading to discomfort and inadequate fit, which can result in poor prosthetic performance and user satisfaction.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable prosthetic socket with a heat moldable design featuring a pre-made socket, adjustable panels, and a tightening mechanism that allows for the reduction or expansion of the inner circumference through a tensioning line, enabling users to customize the fit to their residual limb.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional prosthetic socket is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the conformability and adjustability to the residual limb are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to residual limbVSAvoidsocket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is divided into multiple circumferential sections that can independently move relative to each other, allowing the socket to conform to the changing shape of the residual limb while maintaining structural integrity through a modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable panels that can adjust their position and orientation in response to residual limb volume changes, enabling continuous adaptation without requiring complete socket replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the prosthetic socket is made rigid for structural support, then the strength and stability are improved, but the conformability and comfort to the residual limb deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidconformability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the socket have different properties - the outer frame maintains rigidity for structural support while the inner lining and movable panels provide flexibility and conformability, allowing each region to optimize its function locally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The socket employs composite construction combining rigid materials for structural support with flexible, heat-moldable materials for the conformable inner lining, achieving both strength and adaptability in a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the prosthetic socket is customized to fit the residual limb perfectly, then the comfort and performance are improved, but the time and complexity of manufacturing increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomized fitVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is pre-formed with a general anatomical shape and includes heat-moldable sections that can be quickly customized in-office to match the patient's specific residual limb geometry, reducing manufacturing time while maintaining customized fit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The socket utilizes heat-moldable materials that change their physical properties when heated, allowing rapid shaping and customization of the fit through temperature-controlled forming processes rather than time-consuming manual fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Duration of action of stationary object

If the prosthetic socket is made adjustable to accommodate changing residual limb shape, then the long-term usability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term usabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user through simple controls, allowing them to independently adjust the socket fit in response to daily changes in residual limb volume without requiring professional assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a customizable and conformable prosthetic socket that enhances user comfort and prosthetic performance by allowing easy adjustments to fit the changing shape of the residual limb, improving the overall fit and usability of the prosthetic limb.

Implementation Method 1

The pre-made socket is heated to a shaping temperature where the socket becomes formable and stretchable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat molding: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a tightening mechanism, which includes a base rotationally coupled to a dial where the tightening mechanism is coupled to a tensioning line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical tension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20240099864A1Adjustable prosthetic limb sockets and methods of making and using

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 WILLOWWOOD XTREMITY ACQUISITION HLDG LLC

AI summary

An adjustable prosthetic socket having adjustable features. For example, the socket can be heat moldable with one or more adjustable panels or members in communication with at least one tightening mechanism configured to reduce or adjust an inner circumference of the socket.