Expandable Prosthetic Socket With Retention Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic sockets fail to dynamically adjust pressure on the residual limb in response to changing terrain and activities, leading to discomfort and tissue damage due to inadequate control over skeletal structures and volume loss, with existing solutions being costly, bulky, and prone to maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An expandable wall prosthetic socket design featuring a retention ring and telescoping element that allows for inward and outward translation through the socket wall, applying force to the residual limb, enabling real-time adjustment of socket pressures and skeletal stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static prosthetic sockets are used, then manufacturing cost is low and structure is simple, but they cannot dynamically adjust pressure on the residual limb leading to discomfort and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static prosthetic socket into a dynamic system through the integration of expandable wall sections. These sections can be adjusted in real-time to change the internal volume and pressure distribution within the socket, allowing adaptation to varying limb volumes and activity requirements. The expandable walls incorporate mechanical components such as bellows structures or inflatable elements that enable dynamic modification of the socket's fit and pressure characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous socket wall into multiple expandable sections or panels. Each section can be independently adjusted to apply pressure to specific areas of the residual limb. This segmentation allows targeted pressure application while maintaining overall socket integrity, and enables localized adjustments without affecting the entire socket structure.
2Reliability
If expandable wall sections are added to allow dynamic adjustment, then pressure distribution and skeletal stability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the expandable mechanism within the existing socket structure. The bellows or inflatable elements are contained within the socket wall thickness, nesting the dynamic adjustment mechanism inside the overall socket form. This approach maintains a relatively compact external profile while incorporating complex internal structures for pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies flexible shells by using expandable wall sections made from flexible materials that can deform to apply pressure. These flexible panels or membranes form the expandable elements, allowing them to conform to the residual limb shape while providing controlled pressure application. The flexibility enables the walls to expand and contract dynamically without requiring rigid mechanical structures.
3Measurement precision
If motorized systems with sensors are used for dynamic adjustment, then pressure control precision improves, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the expandable wall system to be manually adjustable by the user without requiring external power sources or electronic controls. The mechanical expansion mechanisms can be operated directly by the user through simple interfaces such as valves, latches, or manual inflation devices, eliminating the need for complex motorized systems while maintaining practical pressure adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex motorized and electronic pressure control systems with simpler mechanical expansion mechanisms. Instead of using motors, sensors, and electronic control circuits, the system uses purely mechanical means such as bellows expansion, inflatable chambers, or sliding panels that can be actuated manually. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining the core functionality of dynamic pressure adjustment.
4Strength
If air bladders are laminated into the socket wall for suspension, then skeletal control improves, but the system becomes bulky and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning expandable wall sections at specific locations where skeletal control is needed rather than using a continuous air bladder throughout the entire socket. The expansion mechanisms are localized to key areas such as the thigh or calf regions where skeletal stabilization is most critical, allowing targeted pressure application while reducing overall system complexity and potential failure points.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable wall prosthetic socket configured with at least one retention ring in the socket wall and a telescoping element which interacts with the retention ring to allow the telescoping element to translate inwardly and outwardly through the socket wall, via the retention ring, such that the telescoping element is applying a force on the residual limb.One embodiment provides for a fixed retention ring that is installed into the side of the socket wall. The retention ring is laminated into or bonded to the layered composite forming the socket wall. A telescoping element is installed through the retention and makes contact with, or is connected to, a force applicator plate. As the telescoping element translates inwardly, the telescoping element makes contact with (or pushes on) the force applicator such that the force applicator produces the load on the residual limb.Additional embodiments provide for such features as a rotating retention ring, a two part panel with a retention ring and force applicator, and a force applicator designed into a prosthetic silicone liner.