Disarticulated Compression Socket for Residual Limb Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic sockets fail to accommodate shape and volume fluctuations in residual limbs, leading to discomfort, pain, and destabilization due to their static design, which does not account for changes caused by factors like edema, muscle atrophy, or activity levels.
Innovation Solution
A disarticulated compression socket with adjustable components, such as disarticulated compression inserts responsive to compression actuators, that can expand or contract to securely fit the residual limb, featuring lateral compressive forces and release channels to accommodate soft tissue expansion, and optionally integrated sensors for automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a static prosthetic socket is used to secure the residual limb, then the socket provides stable support and load transfer, but it cannot accommodate shape and volume fluctuations of the residual limb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static socket into a dynamic system with adjustable compression inserts that can change their compression state. The compression inserts are designed to be compressible and expandable, allowing the socket to adapt to residual limb volume changes while maintaining stability. This is achieved through mechanical compression mechanisms that can be adjusted to apply varying levels of compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the socket into multiple functional components, including separate compression inserts that can be independently adjusted. The compression inserts are positioned at specific locations within the socket and can be compressed or expanded independently to accommodate different regions of the residual limb, enabling precise adaptation to shape and volume fluctuations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the socket is designed with fixed compression to secure the residual limb, then the limb is stabilized, but soft tissue expansion is not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The compression inserts are designed with dynamic compression characteristics that allow them to maintain stable limb fixation while accommodating soft tissue expansion. The inserts can be compressed to apply necessary stabilizing force and then expand to accommodate volume changes, preventing damage to soft tissue. This dynamic behavior is achieved through elastic materials or mechanical mechanisms that allow controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the compression inserts to change their physical parameters (volume, compression force) in response to residual limb changes. The inserts can increase or decrease their compression force and volume to match the residual limb's fluctuations, maintaining optimal stabilization while avoiding excessive force that could damage soft tissue.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional static sockets are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they do not account for changes in residual limb volume over time
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is segmented into a base socket structure and separate adjustable compression inserts. The base socket can be manufactured using traditional methods, while the compression inserts are separate components that can be pre-fabricated with adjustable mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while enabling the overall system to adapt to residual limb changes, maintaining interface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression inserts incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the socket to adapt to residual limb volume changes over time. These mechanisms may include elastic materials, spring-loaded components, or adjustable fastening systems that enable the inserts to maintain optimal compression force despite changes in residual limb dimensions, thereby preserving interface integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for an improved disarticulated compression socket configured to secure a residual limb. The disarticulated compression socket may include a rigid socket frame, and preferably a 3-D printed socket having one or more surface channels that may secure a compression cord optionally positioned within a cord cylinder. Such compression cord may be responsive to a compression actuator and one or more disarticulated compression inserts such that activation of the compression actuator causes the retraction of the compression cord initiating the coordinated inward compression of each of said disarticulated compression inserts securing the residual limb within said socket frame.