Air Hammock Prosthetic Socket Dynamic Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic sockets are static and rigid, failing to accommodate dynamic changes in limb shape and volume, leading to discomfort, muscle atrophy, and inadequate blood flow, as they do not conform effectively to the underlying limb shape.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic socket design featuring modularly adjustable compliant members that create an air hammock, using structural support members and flexible bands or cross connectors to suspend the limb, with a computer-controlled non-back drivable gear mechanism to adjust the circumference, providing dynamic conformity and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static rigid sockets are used, then structural support is provided, but the socket fails to accommodate dynamic changes in limb shape and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static rigid sockets with a dynamic adjustable system. The socket includes adjustable members that can be modified to change the socket's shape and volume, allowing it to adapt to dynamic changes in residual limb morphology while maintaining structural support through the adjustable framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the socket into multiple adjustable members and components that can be independently modified. This segmentation allows different portions of the socket to be adjusted to match specific areas of the residual limb, enabling precise accommodation of shape changes while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular design.
2Strength
If static rigid materials are used to encapsulate the limb, then structural support is provided, but muscle contraction is restricted and blood flow is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible elements and compliant materials within the adjustable socket structure. These flexible components allow the socket to conform to limb shape changes and accommodate muscle movement, thereby maintaining structural support while enabling muscle contraction and improving blood flow through the residual limb.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the socket by allowing adjustment of its shape, volume, and rigidity. The adjustable members can be modified to change the socket's mechanical properties, transitioning between more rigid and more compliant states as needed, thereby maintaining structural support while accommodating dynamic limb changes that affect muscle and circulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional anatomically contoured sockets are used, then the socket is tailored to residual limb size and shape, but it remains as a static size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static custom-fit socket into a dynamic adjustable system. The adjustable members allow the socket to be modified after fabrication, enabling it to adapt to changes in residual limb size and shape while maintaining the precision custom fit initially achieved through anatomical contouring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary customization through anatomical contouring during initial fabrication, creating a precision fit. The adjustable members are then integrated to allow future modifications, combining the benefits of preliminary custom fitting with ongoing adaptability to limb changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An air hammock for a prosthetic with dynamic conformity to better match to the underlying limb shape in real-time through a combination of structural support members with modularly adjustable compliant members thereby creating an air hammock for a prosthetic by suspending the limb within the socket without pressure on the bottom of the residual limb.