Prosthesis Inner Socket Electrode Holder Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthesis inner socket systems face issues with gaps between the electrode and the inner shaft, allowing sweat and air to penetrate, which can damage electrical components and make cleaning difficult, and provide inadequate contact with the residual limb.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis inner socket system with a recess for the electrode, where the electrode is fastened in a holder creating a suction shaft with no gaps, using a holder with a groove for a form-fitting and sealing bearing, and a one-way valve in the connecting tube to maintain vacuum and secure hold on the residual limb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrode is inserted into a recess in the inner shaft, then the electrode can be mounted on the inner shaft, but gaps remain between the electrode and the recess allowing sweat and air to penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode holder is inserted into a recess in the inner shaft, creating a nested structure where the holder fits within the recess. This nesting arrangement allows for a secure fit while maintaining protection against sweat and air penetration, as the holder completely closes the opening of the recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode holder acts as an intermediary component between the electrode and the inner shaft. It provides a sealing interface that prevents sweat and air from penetrating into the space between the inner shaft and outer shaft, while still allowing the electrode to be properly mounted and positioned.
2Reliability
If the inner shaft is designed as a suction shaft, then vacuum effect improves contact between residual limb and electrode, but gaps allow sweat to penetrate and attack electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode holder is nested within the recess of the inner shaft, creating a sealed chamber that maintains the vacuum effect while preventing sweat penetration. The holder's design with a groove for form-fitting bearing ensures complete closure of the recess opening, protecting electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode holder is made of elastic material (such as silicone) that can deform to maintain sealing contact with the inner shaft while accommodating movements. This flexible structure ensures continuous sealing to prevent sweat penetration while maintaining the vacuum effect for improved contact.
3Ease of operation
If the inner socket is cleaned, then hygiene is improved, but sweat can penetrate through gaps between inner shaft and electrode during use
Solution Approach 1:
The nested structure of the electrode holder within the recess allows for easy cleaning access while maintaining sealing during use. The holder can be removed or accessed for cleaning purposes, yet when assembled, it completely closes the recess opening to prevent sweat penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode holder serves as an intermediary sealing element that can be accessed for cleaning while providing continuous protection during use. Its design allows cleaning substances to reach the interface areas while maintaining the seal against sweat penetration during normal operation.
4Ease of operation
If the holder is made of elastic material, then comfort for long-term use is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is made of elastic material (such as silicone) which changes its physical parameters to adapt to the user's residual limb movements and maintain sealing contact. This material property provides comfort for long-term use while the manufacturing process uses injection molding to create the elastic component with integrated electrode mounting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing to prevent sweat penetration, mounts the electrode securely, and maintains the vacuum effect. This merging of functions into one elastic component simplifies the overall assembly while providing comfort through the material's elasticity.
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
This design prevents moisture and air from entering, protecting electronic components, ensures better contact and secure hold, facilitates cleaning, and maintains vacuum for improved signal conductivity, while being easy to produce and comfortable for long-term use.
Implementation Method 1
The holder (1) is made of an elastic material, in particular silicone
Implementation Method 2
Due to the airtight assembly of the holder with the electrode on the inner shaft, a vacuum effect of the shaft is maintained
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthetic inner socket system with an inner socket (30) which is designed to be connectable in a prosthetic outer socket (4) with receiving devices for further prosthetic components and has at least one recess for the transmission of myoelectric signals from an electrode (2) mounted on the inner socket (3), wherein the electrode (2) is fixed in a holder (1) which seals the recess.