Fluid-Controlled Flexible Sheet for Dynamic Prosthetic Socket Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible interfaces between rigid surfaces, such as prosthetic limbs and residual limbs, fail to accommodate changes in size and shape, leading to uneven pressure distribution, skin problems, and the need for frequent socket replacements, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet with a hollow chamber and a control circuit that adjusts fluid supply to change its surface area or volume in response to user movement and pressure changes, using sensors and predictive algorithms to maintain optimal fit and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft interface material is provided to fill the space between rigid surfaces, then the fit between surfaces is improved, but the material experiences increased pressure when the rigid surfaces change size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the interface material's volume adjustable rather than fixed. The soft interface material is configured as a compressible or expandable element that can dynamically change its volume in response to size and shape changes of the rigid surfaces, allowing it to adapt to varying geometries while maintaining optimal pressure distribution and preventing excessive stress concentration.
2Stress or pressure
If the soft interface material is made to accommodate size and shape changes, then pressure distribution is improved, but the material needs frequent replacement which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the interface material to dynamically adjust its volume through fluid injection or compression mechanisms. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the material to continuously adapt to size and shape changes of the rigid surfaces, maintaining optimal pressure distribution over extended periods and eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through automated control systems that monitor the interface conditions and automatically adjust the volume of the soft interface material as needed. The system includes sensors that detect changes in the rigid surfaces' geometry and controllers that regulate fluid injection or compression to maintain optimal fit and pressure distribution without requiring manual intervention or replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cotton socks are used to accommodate small changes in limb size, then the fit is improved, but excess sweating occurs which reduces friction and suspension effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple layers of cotton socks with a controlled fluid injection or compression system. Instead of relying on absorbent textile layers that trap moisture and cause sweating, the system uses a regulated fluid mechanism to adjust the volume of the interface material, achieving size accommodation without the harmful side effect of excess sweating and maintaining optimal friction and suspension.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthetic socket is replaced to accommodate large fluctuations in limb shape, then the fit is improved, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static prosthetic socket into a dynamically adjustable system. The interface material within the socket can be inflated or compressed to accommodate large fluctuations in limb shape and size, allowing the socket to adapt to changing geometries without requiring physical replacement of the entire socket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the volume and pressure parameters of the soft interface material to match the changing geometry of the residual limb. Through controlled fluid injection or compression, the system adjusts key physical parameters of the interface material to maintain optimal fit and pressure distribution, eliminating the need for time-consuming and expensive socket replacements.
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 flexible sheet effectively adapts to changes in size and shape, reducing pressure imbalances and the need for frequent replacements, enhancing comfort and rehabilitation outcomes for amputees by maintaining a secure and comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid source configured to supply a fluid to the hollow chamber via the opening to cause an increase in at least one of the surface area or the volume of the flexible sheet at the localised region
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a flexible sheet having a hollow chamber disposed within a thickness of the flexible sheet at a localised region of the flexible sheet, and an opening for transfer of a fluid between an exterior of the flexible sheet and the hollow chamber. A fluid source is configured to supply a fluid to the hollow chamber via the opening to cause an increase in at least one of the surface area or the volume of the flexible sheet at the localised region. A control circuit controls the fluid source. The control circuit is configured to determine a control operation by identifying a category of movement of a user and/or predicting a required change in pressure in the hollow chamber. The control circuit is further configured to implement the control operation by controlling the supply of fluid to or from the hollow chamber.