Electric Vacuum Pump for Prosthetic Socket Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic socket evacuation systems, particularly those using mechanical pumps, are cumbersome, require manual effort, and lack user control over vacuum levels, making them inefficient and uncomfortable for users, especially during sedentary activities or when pressure adjustment is needed.
Innovation Solution
An electrically-activated prosthetic socket evacuation device with a compact, lightweight pump and power source integrated into the prosthetic limb, allowing for user-controlled vacuum levels and semi-automatic or automatic regulation, enabling easier use and adjustment of sub-atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a weight-activated pump is used to evacuate the prosthetic socket, then sub-atmospheric pressure is maintained during ambulation, but the pump is heavy, cannot be removed, and requires minimum space between the user's limb and prosthetic foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-activated pump system with an electrically-powered vacuum pump. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical weight activation and ambulation-based operation, providing reliable vacuum maintenance during both ambulation and sedentary activities while reducing the pump's weight and removability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically-powered vacuum pump provides universal functionality by operating during both ambulation and sedentary activities, unlike the weight-activated pump that only functions during walking. This multi-functionality ensures consistent vacuum maintenance across all user activities while reducing the space requirements between the limb and prosthetic foot.
2Reliability
If a hand-held sub-atmospheric pressure pump is used, then socket evacuation is acceptable, but the pump requires the individual to carry it and use manual dexterity and strength to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand-held pump operation with an electrically-powered system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual dexterity and strength to operate the pump, making it accessible to elderly individuals and those with limited hand function while maintaining reliable socket evacuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically-powered vacuum pump operates automatically without requiring manual manipulation by the user. The system self-activates and maintains vacuum pressure independently, eliminating the need for the user to carry and manually operate a hand-held pump.
3Productivity
If a weight-activated pump is used, then the pump activates with every step, but the pump is unable to draw vacuum when the user is sedentary and cannot adjust vacuum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically controllable electrically-powered vacuum pump with adjustable vacuum levels. This allows the system to adapt to different user needs and activities, providing variable vacuum pressure during both ambulation and sedentary activities, unlike the fixed operation of weight-activated pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically-powered vacuum pump provides universal operation across all activities including sedentary periods, ambulation, and transitions between them. The system maintains vacuum capability independently of user movement, ensuring consistent functionality while allowing vacuum level adjustment to match different activity requirements.
4Reliability
If a mechanical evacuation system is used, then the pump evacuates the socket, but the system lacks user control over vacuum levels and requires standing and walking to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ambulation-based activation system with an electrically-powered system that can be activated independently of user movement. This substitution provides user control over vacuum activation and levels while maintaining reliable socket evacuation, eliminating the requirement to stand and walk to activate the pump.
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 electrically-activated system provides a more efficient, user-friendly, and adaptable means of achieving sub-atmospheric pressure within the prosthetic socket, improving comfort and functionality by allowing adjustable vacuum levels and independent operation from ambulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically-activated pump, allowing for user-controlled vacuum levels
Implementation Method 2
achieving sub-atmospheric pressure within the prosthetic socket, improving comfort and functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
Evacuation devices for evacuating the socket of a prosthetic limb, and prosthetic limb systems employing such vacuum devices. The evacuation devices each preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source. Such evacuation devices can be attached at various locations on or in a prosthetic limb. Because the electrically powered pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small power source required by such an electrically powered pump, an evacuation device may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.