Modular Prosthetic Socket Cooling Using Removable Thermoelectric Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic sockets made of materials with poor heat transfer properties trap body heat, leading to high temperatures that cause discomfort, skin degradation, and reduced mobility in amputees, and existing cooling systems compromise the structural integrity of the socket or are difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A modular prosthetic cooling system featuring a port and plug module with thermoelectric cooling elements (TEC) that can be removably mounted to the socket, utilizing a heat-conductive layer for enhanced cooling and a shroud for airflow and protection, allowing for secure and effective heat dissipation without compromising the socket's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermoelectric elements are permanently coupled to the prosthetic socket, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the structural integrity of the socket is compromised and the possibility of cracks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate modular components: a cooling element that can be removably coupled to the socket, a power source, and control components. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be added without permanently modifying or weakening the socket structure, as the cooling element can be attached and removed as needed without compromising socket integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the cooling element and socket is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the cooling element can be removably coupled or decoupled from the socket. This dynamic coupling allows the system to adapt to different situations, providing cooling when needed while preserving the socket's structural integrity by avoiding permanent modifications that would create stress concentration points.
2Temperature
If the socket wall is thinned in localized areas to improve TEC effectiveness, then cooling performance is improved, but the structural integrity is weakened and crack risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of thinning the entire socket wall or localized areas, the cooling element is designed to interface with the socket at specific locations where cooling is most needed. The cooling element itself provides the thermal conduction pathway, eliminating the need to modify the socket wall thickness. This maintains the socket's structural uniformity and strength while providing effective cooling at the interface between the cooling element and the residual limb.
3Temperature
If a cooling system is permanently installed in the prosthesis, then cooling function is improved, but ease of repair and replacement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into independently replaceable modules, with the cooling element as a separate component that can be removed and replaced without affecting other parts of the prosthesis. This modular design enables easy repair and replacement of the cooling element if it fails, as the new cooling element can be simply coupled to the socket without requiring removal or modification of other prosthesis components.
4Ease of repair
If cooling components are made removable, then ease of repair and replacement is improved, but cooling effectiveness may be worsened due to interface issues
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is designed with pre-configured interface features that ensure proper thermal contact with the socket when coupled. The interface is designed in advance to accommodate thermal interface materials or direct thermal contact, ensuring that the removable nature of the component does not compromise the thermal connection. This preliminary design of the interface ensures effective heat transfer while maintaining the ability to easily remove and replace the cooling element.
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 modular system effectively reduces heat buildup within the prosthetic socket, enhancing comfort and usability while maintaining the structural integrity of the prosthetic device and allowing for easy replacement or retrofitting of cooling components.
Implementation Method 1
The liner may provide a more consistent connection between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket... materials that exhibit poor heat transfer properties... application of thermoelectric elements (TEC) to cool the socket
Implementation Method 2
application of thermoelectric elements (TEC) to cool the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A modular prosthesis cooling system may comprise a port disposed in the wall of a prosthesis socket, and a plug module removable disposed in the port. The plug module may comprise cooling element, such as a TEC, and a heat-dissipation element, such as a heat sink or fan. A protective heat-dissipating shroud may be disposed about plug module. The prosthesis socket wall may comprise a heat-conductive layer in a heat-exchange relationship with the cooling element.