Prosthesis Liner Suction Cup Vacuum Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthesis systems face challenges in securing the prosthesis to the stump due to reduced fitting precision and volume fluctuations, which affect the holding force and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis liner with a suction cup at the distal end that generates negative pressure between the suction cup and the socket, allowing for secure attachment without relying on precise fitting, and can be adapted with multiple suction cups for distributed force and enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking elements are used to fasten the prosthesis liner to the socket, then the prosthesis can be secured to the stump, but the fitting precision and volume stability are critical for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by introducing a suction cup mechanism that creates negative pressure between the prosthesis liner and the socket. This vacuum lock mechanism secures the prosthesis through atmospheric pressure differential rather than relying on precise mechanical fitting, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable securing and manufacturing precision requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthesis socket is manufactured in a narrower manner to compensate for volume fluctuations, then volume changes can be accommodated, but the holding force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup mechanism creates a vacuum lock that generates holding force through atmospheric pressure differential. This allows the socket to be manufactured in a narrower manner for volume compensation while the vacuum mechanism provides sufficient holding force to counteract the reduced mechanical contact area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by creating negative pressure within the suction cup chamber. This pressure differential transforms the holding mechanism from purely mechanical contact to pneumatic adhesion, enabling volume flexibility without sacrificing holding force
3Adaptability or versatility
If a suction cup mechanism is introduced to secure the prosthesis, then volume fluctuations and fitting precision requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup mechanism is integrated directly into the distal end of the prosthesis liner, merging the sealing and vacuum creation functions into a single component. This integration minimizes additional parts and simplifies the overall structure while achieving volume compensation and reduced fitting precision requirements
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 solution provides a secure and comfortable attachment by distributing the holding force effectively, reducing the impact of volume fluctuations and fitting precision requirements, while allowing for easy adaptation and increased skin compatibility through air exchange mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A suction cup (30) is arranged on the outer side (15) of the prosthesis liner (10)... generates negative pressure between the suction cup and the socket
Implementation Method 2
vacuum lock mechanism... the air present in the intermediate space between the prosthesis liner and the prosthesis socket is sucked or pushed out
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis liner for placing on a stump includes an elastic main body which has a proximal opening for inserting the stump into a receiving space, and a distal end. At least one suction cup is arranged on the outside of the prosthesis liner.