Prosthesis Liner Sealing Lip for Stable Socket Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic sockets often cause pressure points and chafing due to their closed cross-section design, and they do not adequately account for volume compensation, leading to discomfort and instability.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis liner with a sealing lip that protrudes radially outward, forming a controlled cavity with the prosthesis socket, allowing for stable reduced pressure to secure the socket and enhance wearing comfort by preventing slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a prosthesis socket with closed cross section is used, then structural stability is improved, but pressure points and chafing occur on the stump skin
Solution Approach 1:
A prosthesis liner made of elastic material is introduced as an intermediary component between the stump skin and the rigid prosthesis socket. The liner deforms to accommodate stump volume changes and distributes pressing forces uniformly, preventing pressure points and chafing while maintaining structural stability through the socket-liner-socket system
2Ease of operation
If a prosthesis liner without sealing features is used, then ease of application is improved, but the cavity between liner and socket cannot be safely formed leading to slipping
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing lips are added locally at the proximal end of the prosthesis liner where sealing is required, while the rest of the liner maintains its elastic and compliant properties for easy application. The sealing lips protrude radially outward to contact the socket and form a reliable seal, preventing slipping during movement
3Ease of manufacture
If the prosthesis liner is made with uniform thickness, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but volume compensation of the stump is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis liner is designed with non-uniform wall thickness, with thicker regions positioned to compensate for volume changes in specific areas of the stump. This allows the liner to adapt to stump volume fluctuations while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes
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 sealing lip provides improved sealing and stability, ensuring the prosthesis socket remains securely attached during movement, reducing discomfort and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for stable reduced pressure to secure the socket and enhance wearing comfort by preventing slipping
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis liner provided for fitting over a stump of a limb. The prosthesis liner includes a main body having an inner face directed towards the skin of the stump, and an outer face directed away from the stump. The prosthesis liner also includes a proximal access opening and a side wall, which extends from the access opening as far as a closed distal end portion of the liner. At least one sealing lip is arranged on the outer face of the main body and protrudes radially outwards from the main body.