Modular Prosthetic Socket with Adjustable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic devices are costly, difficult to fabricate, and require specialized facilities and expertise, making them inaccessible to many individuals, especially those with varying residual limb shapes and sizes, and often necessitate multiple visits and adjustments due to changes in limb volume and shape over time.
Innovation Solution
A modular prosthesis system with an adjustable outer shell, inner liner, and connector that allows for concurrent directional and angular adjustments, accommodating different residual limb sizes and shapes, and can be fitted and aligned immediately during the initial clinical visit, eliminating the need for complex fabrication and specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional prosthetic devices are fabricated using traditional methods, then the device can provide a functional solution, but the cost is high and the fabrication process is complex requiring specialized facilities and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including a socket component, a connector component with multiple plates and fasteners, and a pylon. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple, standardized processes and then assembled together, eliminating the need for complex specialized fabrication facilities while maintaining functional performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic devices are designed for custom fit, then the device can accommodate individual residual limb characteristics, but multiple visits and adjustments are required due to changes in limb volume and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The connector component incorporates multiple adjustable fasteners that allow the orientation and positioning of the pylon relative to the socket to be modified. This dynamic adjustability enables the prosthesis to adapt to changes in residual limb volume and shape over time, providing a custom fit that can be recalibrated without requiring return visits to the clinic.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized interfaces allows the same socket and connector components to accommodate various residual limb characteristics and orientations. The universal adjustment mechanism can handle multiple alignment requirements, eliminating the need for custom-made components for each patient while still providing personalized fit through adjustment rather than fabrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used with multiple fasteners for adjustment, then the device can accommodate different residual limb sizes and shapes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including a socket component, a connector component with multiple plates and fasteners, and a pylon. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple, standardized processes and then assembled together, eliminating the need for complex specialized fabrication facilities while maintaining functional performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional prosthetic devices require specialized facilities for fabrication and adjustment, then the device can be customized properly, but accessibility is reduced for individuals in remote or resource-limited areas
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple modular components including a socket component, a connector component with multiple plates and fasteners, and a pylon. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple, standardized processes and then assembled together, eliminating the need for complex specialized fabrication facilities while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector component is pre-designed with multiple adjustment positions and standardized fastener locations that allow for proper alignment to be achieved through simple assembly rather than complex fabrication. The preliminary design of the adjustment mechanism enables users to achieve precise customization in the field without requiring specialized facilities or expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable prosthesis system for a residual limb includes: an adjustable outer shell having an adjustable inner volume and an adjustable inner shape; at least one closure component attached to the adjustable outer shell and adapted to adjust at least one of the adjustable inner volume and the adjustable inner shape of the adjustable outer shell; an inner liner adapted to receive the residual limb and to be inserted in the adjustable inner volume of the adjustable outer shell; and an adjustable connector having a proximal end adjustably connected to a distal end of the adjustable outer shell and adapted to provide concurrently for a plurality of directional adjustments and/or angular adjustments of a position of the distal end of the adjustable outer shell relative to the proximal end of the adjustable connector, a distal end of the adjustable connector being adapted to connect to a prosthetic device.