Bio-sensor Strip for Prosthetic Socket Fit Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fitting prosthetic sockets to residual limbs are laborious, imprecise, and time-consuming, relying on verbal feedback that is often inaccurate due to the difficulty in locating pain points and changes in limb shape over time, without providing dynamic data on the fit during use.
Innovation Solution
A bio-sensor strip system with pressure, temperature, and other sensors attached to the socket or liner, which collects data on the interaction between the socket and the stump, processing it to create a heat map for precise identification of areas needing adjustment, reducing the number of iterations required for a comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If verbal feedback from the wearer is used to fine-tune the socket shape, then the fitting process can be completed, but the information provided is imprecise and the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of taking verbal feedback and manually adjusting the socket with an automated sensor system. Sensors embedded in the socket or liner objectively measure pressure distribution, temperature, and friction, eliminating the imprecise verbal communication channel and providing exact quantitative data about comfort issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor pressure, temperature, and friction in real-time during prosthesis use. This feedback loop provides objective data about discomfort locations and intensities, allowing precise identification of problem areas without relying on the wearer's subjective verbal descriptions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the prosthesis socket is made tightly fitted to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but pressure points and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using sensors to identify specific localized areas of excessive pressure or friction within the socket. This allows the fitting technician to make targeted local adjustments to the socket shape or cushioning in only those problem areas, rather than redesigning the entire socket, thus maintaining overall stability while eliminating localized discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors to detect areas where the fit is excessively tight, allowing for partial relaxation or adjustment only in those specific zones. This enables the socket to maintain overall tightness for stability while providing localized relief where needed, applying the principle of partial action rather than uniform adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual or machine shaping of the socket is used, then the socket can be formed, but the process is laborious and requires multiple iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical shaping process with an automated sensor-based measurement and analysis system. Sensors provide precise quantitative data about pressure distribution and comfort issues, allowing the fitting technician to make accurate adjustments based on objective measurements rather than repeated trial-and-error manual shaping, significantly improving fitting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using sensors to identify and map problem areas before final socket adjustments are made. The sensor data provides advance information about exactly where modifications are needed, allowing the fitting technician to prepare precise adjustment plans and execute them in a single or minimal number of iterations rather than through multiple repetitive shaping cycles.
4Measurement precision
If the patient removes the stump from the socket to identify pain points, then the pain location can be identified, but the pain softens and accurate identification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective patient report of pain location with objective sensor measurements taken while the stump remains in the socket. Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and friction sensors continuously monitor and precisely locate areas of discomfort without requiring the patient to remove the prosthesis, thereby maintaining the integrity of the pain sensation and enabling accurate identification of problem areas.
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
This system provides accurate, location-specific information for fine-tuning the socket shape, significantly reducing the fitting process time and cost, while ensuring comfort and preventing injuries by identifying sensitive spots prone to ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure sensors provided on the socket or liner for collecting pressure data relating to the engagement between the stump and the socket
Implementation Method 2
one or more temperature sensors provided on the socket or liner for collecting temperature data relating to the engagement between the stump and the socket
Implementation Method 3
The one or more bio-sensors can be used to measure at least one of a pulse or a galvanic response
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A bio-sensor strip adapted to be located between an object and a body part is disclosed. The bio-sensor strip comprises one or more of bio-sensors (819, 919) disposed on at least one first polymer film (825), wherein the bio-sensors (819, 919) measure parameters at a location between the object (216, 316, 916) and the body part (932).