Hands-Free Liner Application Apparatus Using Pivoting Arms and Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Amputees face difficulties in applying a liner to their amputated appendage without the use of a hand or assistance from others, making the process cumbersome and frustrating.

Innovation Solution

A hands-free apparatus comprising a base member, a bracket, and a plurality of pivotably mounted arms with rotating members, allowing the liner to be applied to the appendage in an inside-out position, enabling the user to slide the liner into place without manual dexterity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual application of liner is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but independence and productivity are reduced due to need for assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of liner applicationVSAvoidindependence in daily routine

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables the amputee to apply the liner independently without assistance from another person. The mechanical arms and rollers work automatically when the user inserts their residual limb, allowing self-service application of the liner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical arms with rollers act as an intermediary between the user's manual dexterity and the liner application process. The rollers facilitate the liner sliding onto the residual limb, bridging the gap caused by the missing hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual dexterity is required, then precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates for amputees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in liner placementVSAvoidease of liner application

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces the need for manual dexterity with a mechanical system consisting of arms, rollers, and springs. This mechanical substitution allows precise liner placement without requiring the user to have manual skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rollers serve as an intermediary mechanism that performs the precise placement function, replacing the role that manual dexterity would normally play in positioning and smoothing the liner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If assistance from another individual is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of liner applicationVSAvoidcomplexity of application system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: support structure, mechanical arms, rollers, and spring mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function reliably while keeping the overall design manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical arms serve multiple functions: they support the liner, guide it onto the residual limb, and apply pressure through the rollers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components that would increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus allows amputees to efficiently and independently apply a liner to their amputated appendage, enhancing their autonomy and reducing the need for assistance during the daily application process.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of arms, in a generally upright position, is configured to support the liner thereon... allowing the plurality of arms and roller balls to slide the liner around the appendage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

each arm in the plurality of arms comprising a roller ball coupled to a top end of the arm... permits the plurality of arms to pivot outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12310865B2Hands-free apparatus to apply a liner to an amputated appendage

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 STEVENSON TIM LEE

AI summary

An apparatus for use to apply a liner to an appendage of a user includes a base member and a plurality of arms mounted to the base member. Each arm can include a rotating member, such as a roller ball, coupled to a top end of the arm. The plurality of arms can extend from the base member in a generally upright position and can support the liner thereon in an inside out position so that the application of downward pressure by the appendage of the user within the plurality of arms permits the arms to flex outward, thereby allowing the plurality of arms and roller balls to slide the liner around the appendage of the user. The height of the apparatus can be adjustable by forming each arm in two or more pieces having a height-adjustable engagement between the pieces. Such a configuration further allows for compact disassembly.