Prosthesis Socket Flexible Edge for Comfort and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthesis sockets with rigid outer materials provide inadequate environmental feedback and increased pressure sores due to lack of flexibility, leading to reduced wearing comfort and instability.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis socket with an outer-socket edge formed from flexible, non-elastic fiber-reinforced plastic, such as Dyneema-reinforced plastic, which adapts to the body shape and maintains stability under load, preventing pressure sores and enhancing sensory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer socket is made entirely of rigid material (fiber-reinforced plastic), then stability and strength are improved, but the amputation stump is shielded from environmental perceptions and wearing comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the outer socket. The ventral region (front) uses flexible non-elastic material to allow environmental perception and improve comfort, while other regions maintain rigid material for stability and strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall stability and localized comfort needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer socket is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid fiber-reinforced plastic material with flexible non-elastic material (such as Dyneema-reinforced plastic). This composite approach allows the socket to simultaneously achieve the stability of rigid materials and the comfort benefits of flexible materials in specific regions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer-socket edge is formed by rigid material, then stability is improved, but pressure sores and cuts occur leading to painful wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible non-elastic material is specifically applied to the ventral region of the outer-socket edge where it contacts the amputation stump during sitting and movement. This localized flexibility prevents pressure concentration and skin damage while maintaining rigid structure in other areas for overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of flexibility in the ventral region of the outer-socket edge. The flexible non-elastic material has different mechanical properties (higher flexibility, lower stiffness) compared to the rigid material, allowing it to adapt to body shape changes and reduce pressure peaks that cause sores.
3Adaptability or versatility
If straps are used to form the outer-socket edge, then adaptability to body shape is improved, but increased pressure on the amputation stump causes discomfort and pressure sores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible non-elastic material shell for the ventral region of the outer-socket edge. This flexible shell adapts to the body shape through its material properties while distributing pressure evenly across a larger area, unlike rigid straps that concentrate pressure. The material's flexibility allows conforming to contours without creating high-stress points.
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 flexible outer-socket edge reduces pressure sores and enhances the natural feel of the prosthesis, improving wearing comfort and control while maintaining stability, thus providing a more secure and comfortable fit.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible and non-elastic material is adapted to a body shape of the wearer of the prosthesis socket
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthesis socket for a prosthesis, which comprises a connecting member for a distal prosthesis device and an outer socket, which is made predominantly from a rigid material, and a proximal opening for receiving a residual limb and which is surrounded by an outer socket edge. The outer socket edge is made of a flexible and non-elastic material in a ventral region, the flexible and non-elastic material being adapted to the body shape of the wearer of the prosthesis socket.