Ventilated Prosthetic Socket With Localized Moisture Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing prosthetic sockets lack effective ventilation and heat management, leading to issues such as moisture accumulation, friction-related injuries, and discomfort due to the total contact nature and rigidity of many known designs.

Innovation Solution

A ventilated prosthetic socket with integrated ventilation management systems, including discreetly formed vent elements and ventilation structures that allow air and moisture transfer through the socket wall, providing comfortable and effective ventilation and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a prosthetic socket provides total contact with the residual limb to ensure proper fit and force transmission, then the structural integrity and load-bearing capability are improved, but moisture accumulation and heat buildup occur leading to discomfort and friction-related injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capabilityVSAvoidmoisture accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by incorporating vent elements with porous structures into the prosthetic socket wall. These porous vent elements allow moisture vapor to pass through the socket wall from the interior to the exterior, enabling effective moisture management while preserving the total contact design for load-bearing. The porous structure provides ventilation channels that do not compromise the structural integrity of the socket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the socket wall into distinct regions: solid load-bearing portions and segmented vent elements. The vent elements are discretely formed and positioned at specific locations along the socket, creating a segmented structure that combines solid material for strength with ventilated zones for moisture management. This segmentation allows the socket to simultaneously provide total contact for force transmission and localized ventilation for comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ventilation openings are added to the prosthetic socket to manage moisture and heat, then comfort and hygiene are improved, but the structural strength and rigidity of the socket are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat managementVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing ventilation only at specific locations through discretely positioned vent elements rather than creating large openings throughout the socket. Each vent element is strategically placed to provide localized ventilation for heat and moisture management while the remaining solid portions of the socket wall maintain structural strength and rigidity. The vent elements have controlled sizes and positions that balance ventilation needs with structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the prosthetic socket is made rigid to control bending during gait, then the force transmission and stability are improved, but the comfort and adaptability to residual limb contours are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission stabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by creating a composite structure with rigid socket material for stability and flexible vent elements for comfort. The vent elements are positioned to allow relative movement and deformation, providing flexibility where needed while the main socket structure maintains rigidity for force transmission. This segmented approach enables the socket to be both stable and comfortable during gait cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ventilated prosthetic socket effectively manages sweat and heat buildup, preventing friction-related injuries and enhancing user comfort by allowing air exchange, thus improving the overall performance and durability of the prosthesis system.

Implementation Method 1

permitting a transfer of air from an interior volume to outside of the prosthetic socket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir transfer: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

allow air and moisture transfer through the socket wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture transfer: Permeation

Implementation Method 3

effectively manages sweat and heat buildup, preventing friction-related injuries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12419762B2Ventilated prosthetic socket and kit for making the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 OSSUR ICELAND EHF

AI summary

A ventilated prosthetic socket includes a rigid, structural and load-bearing socket body forming an inner volume adapted to receive a residual limb, and a wall thickness extending from an inner wall surface bordering the inner volume to an outer wall surface. The socket body defines an opening extending through the wall thickness. At least one vent element communicates the inner wall surface to the outer wall surface and extending therebetween in the opening along the socket body to thereby permit a transfer of air from the inner volume to outside of the socket through the opening. The at least one vent element is separately formed from the socket body and discretely insertable into the opening and secured against the inner surface and the outer wall surface. A method and kit are provided to adapt the socket in a ventilated form.