PETG Prosthetic Harness Bracket for Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic harnesses, such as the 'Figure of 9' design, cause discomfort, pain, and friction issues due to their design and material usage, particularly around the axilla and neck areas, and are not easily removable or washable, leading to dissatisfaction among amputees.
Innovation Solution
A harness system with a bracket made from polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) that is less dense than traditional metals, providing improved comfort and sensorial experience, and featuring a symmetrical, washable, and durable design with adjustable straps and V-shaped channels for centralized pressure distribution, allowing for ambidextrous use and easy attachment of prosthetic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal brackets are used in the harness system, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and sensorial comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to PETG plastic, which has lower density (approximately 1.3 g/cm³ for PETG versus 7.8 g/cm³ for iron). This parameter change reduces the bracket weight by approximately 85% while maintaining sufficient strength through optimized bracket geometry and design, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Ease of operation
If traditional Figure of 9 harness design is used, then prosthetic device control is achieved, but pressure and friction on the body increase causing pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the bracket at the rear portion of the harness to centralize pressure load area, and by using PETG material specifically for the bracket to reduce friction against the skin. The symmetrical V-shaped channel design locally optimizes the pressure distribution pattern, concentrating the load on a smaller, more comfortable area while reducing friction at contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry in the V-shaped channel configuration of the bracket, with channels angled to form a golden triangle (specific angle ratios). This asymmetric geometry optimizes the force distribution and pressure points to reduce discomfort while maintaining effective prosthetic control, breaking away from the symmetrical Figure of 9 design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal components are used in the harness system, then structural integrity is maintained, but corrosion resistance and washability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), a composite polymer material, to manufacture the bracket. This material combines the benefits of structural integrity (strength-to-weight ratio comparable to metal), corrosion resistance (inherent property of PETG), and washability (smooth non-porous surface). The material can be molded into complex geometries while maintaining structural strength, eliminating the corrosion issues associated with metal components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the harness system is designed for secure attachment, then prosthetic device stability is improved, but ease of removal and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic attachment features including adjustable straps with buckles and movable connection points that allow the harness to be easily configured, attached, detached, and reconfigured. The bracket design includes features that enable quick connection and disconnection of the prosthetic device while maintaining stable attachment during use, allowing users to adjust or remove the prosthesis as needed without permanent fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket is used as part of a harness, such as those used with prosthetic devices for upper limb loss. The bracket is part of an anchoring system that can be used with a garment/harness, such as a figure of 9 style harness. The bracket includes features that include improved material, which are less dense and stronger than that currently used. In addition, the material allows for better sensorial comfort by the user. The design also improves the pressure due to the improved center of gravity placement of the bracket on the user, while also providing an easy to attach feature and ambidextrous ability.