Mesh Transtibial Socket for Heat Dissipation and Volume Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transtibial prosthetic sockets cause discomfort and tissue damage due to inadequate heat dissipation, moisture management, and uneven force distribution, leading to pressure sores and limb damage, with existing actively cooled sockets being complex and costly, and passively cooled sockets reducing contact area and increasing pressure on the residual limb.
Innovation Solution
A novel transtibial socket design featuring a mesh with support members, tensile members, and spacer members between rigid struts, allowing for heat dissipation, volume adjustment, and increased contact area, while maintaining structural rigidity and adjustability, mimicking the mechanics of traditional shell suction sockets at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If actively cooled devices are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or mesh-like socket structure that allows air circulation and passive cooling without requiring active cooling systems. The porous design enables heat dissipation through natural convection and evaporation while maintaining structural integrity and comfort, thereby resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation performance and device complexity.
2Temperature
If passively cooled sockets with large open areas are used, then heat dissipation is improved, but contact area is reduced and pressure on residual limb increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a non-uniform socket structure with varying degrees of openness and support in different regions. Areas requiring higher contact and pressure distribution have denser mesh or solid structures, while areas requiring better ventilation have more open configurations. This localized variation allows simultaneous achievement of heat dissipation and adequate pressure distribution.
3Force
If traditional pin lock or suction sockets are used, then force distribution is improved, but heat dissipation and moisture management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties. The socket integrates materials that provide both mechanical support for force distribution and thermal properties for heat dissipation. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of force distribution and thermal management without compromising either function.
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 design provides breathable, adjustable, and durable prosthetic sockets that distribute forces evenly, prevent pressure points, and promote comfortable wear by enhancing airflow and heat dissipation, reducing tissue damage and the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh allowing for heat dissipation and volume adjustment
Implementation Method 2
Manipulation of the adjustable tensioning apparatus is configured to selectively tension the at least one tensioning member to allow the mesh to be constricted radially by the amputee-user
Data Source
AI summary
A transtibial socket for a prosthetic lower limb includes a mesh arranged between rigid struts. The mesh includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of tensile members, optionally in combination with spacer members arranged between different support members. At least one tensioning member coupled with the tensile member extends through of past guides in the struts to an adjustable tensioning apparatus that is configured to allow the mesh to be constricted radially by the amputee-user. The mesh allows for the heat dissipation and volume adjustment, while increasing contact area and force distribution around a residual limb.