Flexible Pneumatic Connector Prosthetic Socket Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic socket systems face issues with pressure distribution, leading to shear forces, edema, and tissue damage due to inadequate contact between the residual limb and the socket, and existing connectors are prone to leaks and breakage from impact.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pneumatic connector with a flange and elongated tubular section is used, providing a secure seal by abutting the socket surfaces and distributing pressure evenly, made from high-strength elastomer materials to absorb impact and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connector is used to provide pneumatic connection, then structural strength is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or diaphragm as the connector component that can deform under impact loads while maintaining the pneumatic seal. This flexible element absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation rather than rigid fracture, resolving the contradiction between needing structural strength and resisting impact breakage.
2Strength
If a metal fitting is used for pneumatic connection, then connection strength is improved, but susceptibility to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible elastomer or rubber-like material. This parameter change allows the connector to maintain adequate connection strength while gaining impact resistance through material elasticity and energy absorption, eliminating the harmful effect of impact susceptibility.
3Ease of operation
If an open-ended socket is used, then ease of insertion is improved, but pressure distribution deteriorates causing shear forces and edema
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the open-ended configuration from the socket design and replaces it with a closed or substantially closed chamber. This extraction of the problematic open-ended feature eliminates the harmful shear forces and pressure distribution issues while maintaining ease of insertion through the closure design.
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 ensures reliable sealing and even pressure distribution within the socket, reducing the risk of edema and tissue damage while withstanding daily impacts without breakage.
Implementation Method 1
made from high-strength elastomer materials to absorb impact and prevent leaks
Implementation Method 2
providing a secure seal by abutting the socket surfaces and distributing pressure evenly
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
Artificial limb comprising a prosthetic socket (130) with a sealed interior wherein a positive or negative pressure may be generated through a fitting fixed in a hole (136) of the socket', connected to a pressure source through a flexible tubing with a connector made of flexible material, the connector has a flange (206) formed at one end of an elongated tubular section (208), a airtight seal surface of said flange sealingly abutting one of the surfaces (138, 139) of the socket (130) around the hole (136), a tubular section (202, 204) having a lumen (210) extends through the hole (136) from the seal surface of the flange (206).