Motorized Prosthesis Socket Panel Adjustment via Gap Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
People with prosthetic limbs face challenges in managing socket fit due to residual limb volume loss, particularly in identifying and adjusting for changes in socket size, which can lead to discomfort, risk of falls, and health issues related to blood flow and tissue health.
Innovation Solution
An automated socket adjustment system that includes sensors to measure limb-to-socket gap data, a processor to determine necessary adjustments based on predetermined socket-fit values, and actuators to adjust the socket size, allowing for automatic adjustments during different activities like walking, sitting, or rest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a passive pressure-driven mechanism or sensor-based mechanism is used to adjust socket size, then socket fit can be automatically adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system automatically monitors limb-to-socket gap via sensors and adjusts panel positions using actuators without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously determines when adjustment is needed based on sensor data and predetermined fit values, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system combining sensors, processors, and actuators. The mechanical panel adjustment mechanism is controlled electronically through actuators that advance or retract panels based on processor commands, substituting the purely mechanical user-adjustment system with an integrated electromechanical automation system
2Device complexity
If manual socket adjustment is performed by users, then device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to remove pants and interrupt activities
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system automatically monitors limb-to-socket gap via sensors and adjusts panel positions using actuators without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously determines when adjustment is needed based on sensor data and predetermined fit values, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user management
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors socket fit through sensors before problems occur, allowing proactive adjustment before the user experiences discomfort or health issues. The processor compares real-time sensor data against predetermined fit values and initiates adjustment preemptively, rather than waiting for user detection of the problem
3Device complexity
If socket size is not adjusted timely, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of falls and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors limb-to-socket gap through sensors and uses this feedback to determine when adjustment is needed. The processor compares sensor data against predetermined fit values and triggers actuator activation when fit deteriorates, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliable socket fit by responding to actual conditions in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors socket fit through sensors before problems occur, allowing proactive adjustment before the user experiences discomfort or health issues. The processor compares real-time sensor data against predetermined fit values and initiates adjustment preemptively, rather than waiting for user detection of the problem
4Reliability
If excessive sock thickness is added to accommodate volume loss, then socket fit is improved, but harmful factors increase due to occluded blood flow and tissue health deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system dynamically adjusts panel positions to maintain optimal fit as limb volume changes, replacing the static approach of adding fixed sock thickness. The actuators continuously reposition panels based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the socket to adapt to changing limb dimensions without requiring additional material that could restrict blood flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the socket by advancing or retracting panels to alter the internal volume and fit characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows precise control over socket-limb interface without adding external layers that could compress tissues and impede circulation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting a socket size of a prosthesis. The apparatus includes (a) the prosthesis having a socket configured to receive a limb, (b) a first opening in a socket wall, (c) a first panel aligned with the first opening, (d) a first actuator coupled to the first panel and to the prosthesis, the first actuator is configured to advance and retract the first panel, (e) a first sensor coupled to the socket wall and configured to obtain limb-to-socket gap data, and (f) a processor coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to receive the limb-to-socket gap data, (ii) to determine a socket-size adjustment based on the limb-to-socket gap data and a predetermined socket-fit value, (iii) to generate and (iv) to send a command with the socket-size adjustment to the first actuator.