Magnetic Prosthetic Implants for Residual Limb Tissue Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic devices for upper or lower limbs often do not consider the stresses they induce on the residual limb, leading to potential damage to the tissues.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic implant device with an internal component featuring rare earth magnets for surgical implantation into the residual limb, and an external component with magnetic elements that form an adaptable magnetic association to reduce compressive forces on the soft tissues by transferring weight-bearing forces to the bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional prosthetic devices are used with mechanical connections, then structural strength is maintained, but compressive forces are applied to soft tissues causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection system with a magnetic field-based connection system. Internal magnets implanted in the residual limb interact with external magnets on the prosthetic socket through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that apply compressive forces to soft tissues. The magnetic force provides the necessary holding strength without direct mechanical contact and compression of the residual limb tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of connection from mechanical contact force to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the connection parameter instead of mechanical clamping force, the system achieves strong attachment while avoiding the harmful compressive effects on soft tissues that characterize traditional mechanical prosthetic connections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic elements are introduced for non-contact connection, then compressive forces on soft tissues are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection function from the mechanical domain and places it in the magnetic field domain. By taking out the mechanical fastening elements (screws, clips, straps) and replacing them with magnetic elements, the system achieves soft tissue protection while the added complexity is confined to the magnetic component integration rather than multiple mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions: they provide the primary attachment force, enable easy donning and doffing of the prosthetic, and allow for adjustable connection strength. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to systems requiring separate mechanisms for attachment, adjustment, and release.
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 magnetic association between the internal and external components reduces compressive forces on the residual limb's soft tissues, minimizing damage and maintaining proper gait and stance after amputation.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more rare earth magnets may generate at least one magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The magnet elements of the cup and the magnetic elements of the piston may each generate at least one magnetic field that may be in adaptable magnetic association with the at least one magnetic field generated by the one or more rare earth magnets
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic association between the internal and external components reduces compressive forces on the residual limb's soft tissues
Data Source
AI summary
Prosthetic implant devices and related methods are provided. The prosthetic implant devices include an internal component and an external component. The internal component has an implant portion associated with one or more rare earth magnets. The internal component being of a size and shape suitable for surgical implantation into the residual limb of the amputee. The one or more rare earth magnets generate at least one magnetic field. The external component having a prosthetic piston associated with a plurality of magnetic elements and a prosthetic cup associated with a magnetic array. The magnet elements of the prosthetic piston being in adaptable magnetic association with the at least one magnetic field generated by the one or more rare earth magnets.