Multi-chamber Vacuum Pump for Prosthetic Socket Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in maintaining a secure and comfortable connection between prosthetic devices and residual limbs, as existing methods often rely on straps, pins, or suction devices that can be cumbersome and ineffective for varying limb shapes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump system is used to create a vacuum condition within a socket of the prosthetic device, utilizing a multi-chamber design with one-way valves and a piston mechanism to attach the prosthetic to the residual limb without the need for traditional securing methods, providing adjustable fit and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing methods (straps, pins, suction devices) are used to attach prosthetic to residual limb, then connection is maintained, but comfort and adaptability to varying limb shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump system dynamically adjusts the vacuum pressure parameter to maintain secure attachment. The system includes a vacuum pump, reservoir, and control mechanism that regulate the vacuum level within the socket, adapting to different limb shapes and volumes while maintaining reliable connection through controlled pressure changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum pump system is implemented to attach prosthetic to residual limb, then adaptability and comfort improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into distinct functional components: a vacuum pump unit, a reservoir for vacuum maintenance, connection ports, and control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while providing adaptable vacuum attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump system serves multiple functions: it creates the initial vacuum condition, maintains vacuum pressure, allows for adjustment of vacuum levels, and can be integrated with different prosthetic socket designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for different purposes, managing complexity through consolidation
3Reliability
If multi-chamber vacuum pump design is used, then vacuum maintenance and adaptability improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-chamber vacuum pump employs a nested chamber design where smaller chambers are positioned within or alongside larger chambers. The piston mechanism operates within the housing to compress and expand fluid chambers in sequence. This nesting approach allows complex vacuum maintenance functionality to be achieved within a compact structure that can be manufactured as an integrated assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality
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 vacuum pump system ensures a secure and comfortable attachment by maintaining a vacuum condition, improving mobility, proprioception, and wound healing while accommodating different residual limb shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition that is applied in the socket to maintain a connection between the prosthetic device and the residual limb
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum pump includes a housing having an inner wall, a piston having an outer diameter and the piston is secured within the housing
Implementation Method 3
The upper chamber is fluidly connected to a socket of the prosthesis through a first valve and is fluidly connected to atmosphere through a second valve
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.