Skeletal Stabilization Liner with Segmented Compression Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sockets lack effective bone control due to inadequate compression distribution, leading to increased motion between the socket and the bone, and compression stabilized sockets are costly and require specialized training and equipment, with the added issue of residual limb volume loss over time.
Innovation Solution
The Skeletal Stabilization Liner System (SSLS) provides enhanced bone control by using external pockets or attachment materials with shims to increase radial width and compression at specific attachment areas, allowing for customizable adjustment to optimize compression and account for limb volume changes, compatible with both traditional and compression stabilized sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression stabilized socket is used to improve bone control, then bone control is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase due to specialized training and equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into distinct compression zones (primary, secondary, and tertiary compression areas) with different compression forces applied to different anatomical regions. This segmentation allows effective bone control through targeted compression without requiring complex overall socket design, thereby improving bone control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the socket are designed with locally optimized compression characteristics. The primary compression area applies high compression force directly over the bone, while secondary and tertiary areas provide progressively lower compression. This local quality approach achieves superior bone control through targeted force application rather than uniform compression, avoiding the need for specialized manufacturing equipment.
2Reliability
If a compression stabilized socket is used to improve bone control, then bone control is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized equipment and training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The compression stabilized socket employs segmentation by dividing the socket into multiple compression zones (primary, secondary, tertiary) that can be independently adjusted. This allows complex compression patterns to be achieved through simple modular adjustments rather than requiring a complex monolithic device design, thereby improving bone control while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through adjustable compression forces in different zones, allowing the device to adapt to changing limb volumes and anatomical conditions over time. This dynamic approach enables sophisticated bone control through simple adjustable parameters rather than complex fixed mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional socket design is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but bone control deteriorates due to inadequate compression distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional socket design is enhanced by segmenting the compression application into distinct zones (primary, secondary, tertiary compression areas) rather than uniform compression. This segmentation can be implemented using simple material layering techniques compatible with traditional manufacturing processes, thereby maintaining low manufacturing cost while significantly improving bone control through targeted compression distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Local quality is achieved by applying different compression forces to different anatomical regions through layered materials with varying densities and compression characteristics. The primary compression area uses higher density materials for strong bone contact, while secondary and tertiary areas use progressively lower density materials. This local optimization improves bone control without requiring complex manufacturing, as each zone can be independently configured during standard fabrication.
4Reliability
If compression force is increased to improve bone control, then bone control is improved, but tissue discomfort increases reducing usable time
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is segmented into multiple levels across different anatomical zones, with the highest compression applied only to the primary compression area directly over the bone, and progressively lower compression in secondary and tertiary areas. This segmentation allows sufficient bone control through targeted high compression while distributing the overall compression load, thereby reducing tissue discomfort and extending usable wear time.
Solution Approach 2:
Local quality ensures that high compression force is applied only where necessary (primary compression area over the bone) while other regions receive appropriate but lower compression forces. This localized force application achieves effective bone control without subjecting the entire residual limb to high compression, thereby minimizing tissue discomfort and discomfort-related removal while maintaining prolonged usable wear time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liner with at least three substantially equally spaced attachment areas arranged longitudinally from the proximal to the distal end of the liner so as to permit relief areas between attachment areas and increase the radial thickness of the liner in the area of the liner inherently or through the addition of shims or other materials at the attachment areas. The liner and shims can be selected from a kit of different shaped liners and shims. Methods for making such a liner or liners for a kit. A method for iteratively attaching shims to the liner to prevent substantial movement of a limb's skeletal structure when the liner is worn with a socket.