Prosthesis Covering Segmented Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthesis coverings, particularly for upper body prosthetics like hands with movable digits, face strain and wear due to the movement of parts, leading to reduced longevity and increased motor resistance.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis covering comprising an outer and inner layer with discrete attachment points, allowing the outer layer to move independently of the inner layer, reducing strain and wear, and optionally incorporating an intermediate layer for added robustness, with materials like silicone rubber and spandex for flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the prosthesis covering is made as a single integrated layer, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the covering experiences increased strain and wear during movement, reducing its longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is divided into an inner layer and an outer layer that are selectively attached at discrete locations. This segmentation allows the layers to move independently during prosthetic movement, reducing strain and wear while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the inner and outer layers are fully attached throughout, then the covering provides uniform protection and cosmetic appearance, but the motor must work against increased resistance when moving the digits
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment between inner and outer layers is segmented into discrete locations rather than continuous coverage. This allows the covering to provide protection and appearance where needed while permitting relative movement between layers to reduce motor resistance during digit movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering has different attachment characteristics at different locations - fully attached at some discrete locations for protection and appearance, and unattached at other locations to allow movement and reduce motor resistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the covering material is made highly flexible to accommodate joint movement, then the range of motion is improved, but the structural integrity and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is segmented into two layers that can move independently, allowing the material itself to be less flexible while still accommodating joint movement through inter-layer sliding, thereby maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis covering comprising an outer layer having an exterior surface defining an outermost surface of a prosthesis; and an inner layer having an interior surface that lies adjacent the prosthesis when the prosthesis covering is on the prosthesis. The outer layer defines a space in which the inner layer is received such that an inwardly directed surface of the outer layer lies adjacent an outwardly directed surface of the inner layer. The inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer are attached to each other at a plurality of spaced apart locations, the inwardly directed surface of the outer layer and the outwardly directed surface of the inner layer elsewhere being unattached to each other.