Dynamic Prosthetic Socket Vacuum Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic and orthotic socket systems fail to accommodate volume changes and distribute pressure evenly, leading to issues like edema, tissue atrophy, and discomfort due to their static nature and inability to handle vertical and rotational loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically activated, variable-response socket system featuring a double socket structure with textured surfaces and an air wick system, or a single socket with a flexible brim, which uses vacuum to enhance friction and distribute loads more evenly, allowing the socket to change shape and accommodate limb changes during weight-bearing activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static socket structure is used, then the socket is simple in design, but it cannot accommodate volume changes and distribute pressure evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the socket structure changeable and adaptable. The socket includes a collapsible distal end section that can dynamically adjust its volume and shape in response to limb volume changes. This dynamic structure allows the socket to accommodate swelling and atrophy while distributing pressure evenly, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state and geometric parameters of the socket structure. The distal end section is designed to collapse and expand, changing its volume and pressure distribution parameters in response to limb conditions. This allows the socket to adapt to volume changes without requiring a completely complex active control system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hollow socket structure is used, then the socket is lighter and simpler, but it causes shear force and pressure restriction on nerve bundles and vascular routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the harmful hollow chamber from the socket structure. Instead of maintaining a hollow space that causes shear forces and pressure restriction, the distal end section is designed to collapse and eliminate the hollow chamber. This extraction of the harmful element directly reduces shear force and pressure restriction on nerve bundles and vascular routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of a hollow chamber into a benefit by designing the distal end section to collapse under load. The hollow structure initially provides lightness and simplicity, but when collapsed, it eliminates the harmful effects while maintaining structural integrity. This transformation turns the hollow chamber from a harmful feature into a beneficial adaptive feature.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the socket does not contact the distal end of the stump, then the circumferential tissue is supported, but edema and draining nodules develop at the stump end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the distal end section to transition from a non-contacting state to a contacting state. The collapsible structure dynamically adjusts to make contact with the distal end of the stump, providing necessary support pressure to prevent edema and draining nodules while avoiding excessive force through controlled collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-designing the distal end section to collapse and make contact with the stump end. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the socket is worn, the distal end automatically contacts and supports the stump, preventing edema formation before it occurs.
4Reliability
If vacuum is applied to the socket, then suspension and load distribution improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the vacuum suspension system with the collapsible distal end structure. The vacuum system and the adaptive structure work together as an integrated system, where the vacuum provides suspension force while the collapsible section provides adaptive pressure distribution. This merging achieves reliable suspension and load distribution without requiring separate complex control mechanisms.
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 system reduces peak pressures, minimizes distal migration, and maintains constant contact with the residual limb, reducing discomfort and tissue damage by distributing loads more evenly and accommodating changes in limb shape and volume.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum-managed, dynamically activated, variable-response prosthetic and orthotic sockets
Implementation Method 2
textured surfaces and an air wick system, or a single socket with a flexible brim, which uses vacuum to enhance friction
Data Source
AI summary
A socket system in an artificial limb for amputees, the socket system being dynamically activated by weight-bearing loads and variable in response to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system includes: a liner adapted to engage the residual limb; a semi-flexible inner socket having a textured surface; an inner socket air wick between the liner and the textured surface of the inner socket; a semi-rigid outer socket having a textured surface; an outer socket air wick between the inner socket and the textured surface of the outer socket; a sealing sleeve engaging the outer socket and the residual limb, the sealing sleeve, the outer socket, and the residual limb creating a sealed chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber and creating a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum source is dynamically activated in response to weight-bearing loads and varies the response of the socket system to shear forces imposed by weight-bearing loads. The socket system may alternatively be a single rigid socket with a flexible brim.