Elastomeric Vacuum Pump for Prosthetic Socket Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The secure attachment of prosthetic limbs to residual limbs is challenging due to difficulties in evenly distributing pressure, leading to potential discomfort, pain, and instability during walking.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump utilizing a compressible elastomeric member with an internal reservoir and fluid communication ports, which applies a negative pressure vacuum by compressing and expanding the elastomeric member, ensuring secure attachment of the prosthetic device to the residual limb without inhibiting natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical pump is used to generate vacuum, then secure attachment is achieved, but natural movement is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system utilizes the user's own movement to generate the vacuum force. The elastomeric member with check valves automatically pumps air from the socket during the user's natural walking motion, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex mechanical pumps that would inhibit movement. The system serves itself by converting the user's motion into the required vacuum force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump systems with a simpler elastomeric member-based vacuum generation system. Instead of using traditional mechanical pumps with moving parts, the invention uses an elastomeric member that expands and contracts with user movement,配合check valves to create vacuum, thereby simplifying the mechanical system and reducing inhibition of natural movement.
2Reliability
If vacuum pressure is increased to improve attachment, then attachment security improves, but discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system operates periodically during the user's walking cycle, creating vacuum during the stance phase and allowing air intake during the swing phase. This periodic operation maintains attachment security while preventing excessive continuous vacuum pressure that would cause discomfort and pain. The rhythm of the user's natural movement drives the periodic pumping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure parameters through the elastomeric member's compliance and the check valve timing. The vacuum pressure varies naturally with the user's movement cycle, preventing sustained high pressure that would cause pain while maintaining sufficient attachment security during weight-bearing phases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a compliant interface is used to reduce pressure, then comfort improves, but attachment security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member acts as an intermediary between the rigid socket and the user's limb. It provides a compliant interface that distributes pressure evenly during vacuum generation, preventing pressure points and discomfort while maintaining effective vacuum attachment. The elastomeric material mediates between the need for secure attachment and the need for comfortable pressure distribution.
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 secure and comfortable attachment of prosthetic limbs by maintaining a consistent negative pressure vacuum, reducing discomfort and enhancing the user's ability to walk naturally while minimizing the risk of sores and pain.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible elastomeric member. The compressible elastomeric member includes an internal reservoir enclosing a volume of fluid
Implementation Method 2
Upon the application of an expansion force, a negative pressure vacuum is applied to the enclosed space
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention in one embodiment is a vacuum pump including a compressible elastomeric member with an internal reservoir enclosing a volume of fluid, an outlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid sink, and an inlet port providing fluid communication between the internal reservoir and a fluid source. The pump further includes first and second pressure elements coupled to the elastomeric member on opposing sides. At least one of the first and second pressure elements is adapted to apply a longitudinal force along, and a rotational force about, an axis extending through the compressible elastomeric member. Upon the application of a longitudinal compression force to the compressible elastomeric member, fluid flows from the internal reservoir to the fluid sink and upon the application of a longitudinal expansion force, fluid flows from the fluid source to the internal reservoir. Upon the application of a rotational force, the elastomeric member exerts a counter-rotational force.