Prosthesis Liner Asymmetrical Connection Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthesis liners with rotationally symmetrical cross-sections can be positioned in various ways on an amputation stump, making it difficult to accurately place electrodes for picking up or applying myoelectric signals, which is essential for proper function and control of prosthetic devices.
Innovation Solution
The first connection device is arranged on the lateral surface of the liner, allowing for mechanical locking and electrical contact with the prosthesis socket, providing clear alignment cues and ensuring precise positioning, while the second connection device on the socket interacts with the first, enabling both mechanical locking and electrical signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liner is made rotationally symmetrical to allow flexible positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of electrode positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetrical features (connection devices, alignment cues) on the otherwise rotationally symmetrical liner to provide directional orientation. These asymmetrical elements break the rotational symmetry and create a preferred orientation, enabling precise electrode positioning while maintaining the overall flexibility of the liner design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual alignment cues that may utilize color or visual differentiation to indicate the correct orientation of the liner. These visual indicators provide clear feedback to the user during positioning, ensuring accurate alignment of electrodes without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If connection devices are placed at the distal end for electrical contact, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different stump lengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connection devices from the distal end (one-dimensional placement) to the lateral surface (two-dimensional placement). This dimensional change allows the connection devices to be positioned at different locations along the liner's length, providing adaptability to various stump lengths while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic positioning of connection devices on the lateral surface, allowing the liner to be adapted to different stump configurations. This dynamic arrangement capability provides versatility without requiring multiple fixed connection device positions or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the liner is securely locked mechanically to ensure stability, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment cues and oriented connection devices that guide the liner into the correct position before final mechanical locking occurs. This preliminary alignment action simplifies the positioning process and ensures that when the mechanical locking is engaged, the liner is already correctly oriented, maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alignment cues as intermediary elements between the liner and the final locked position. These cues mediate the positioning process by providing visual or physical guidance, reducing the difficulty of accurate positioning while ensuring that the subsequent mechanical locking achieves reliable stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis system with a liner and a prosthesis socket, wherein the liner includes a closed distal end, an open proximal end, a lateral surface, which extends from the distal end to the proximal end, and a first connection device. The prosthesis socket includes a second connection device, which is configured to interact with the first connection device. The first connection device is arranged on the lateral surface, and the first connection device and the second connection device are configured to establish a mechanical locking and an electrical contact between the liner and the prosthesis socket.