Compliant Prosthetic Socket Interface for Limb Volume Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prosthetic socket interfaces are inadequate in accommodating limb volume changes, leading to discomfort, skin issues, and inefficiencies due to their static design and rigid materials, which fail to provide a secure and comfortable fit, especially for amputees and orthotics users.

Innovation Solution

The Compliant Force Distribution socket interface design uses compliant materials and modular, adjustable elements to accommodate dynamic body changes, providing a breathable, lightweight, and comfortable fit by distributing forces more evenly and maintaining consistent electrode contact, while allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure a secure connection between the prosthetic and the user's limb.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid socket interfaces are used, then structural stability is maintained, but comfort and adaptability to limb volume changes deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to limb volume changesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid materials with fixed geometric parameters to compliant materials whose physical parameters (shape, volume, stiffness) can dynamically change in response to limb volume changes, enabling the socket to adapt while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials combining rigid structural elements with compliant materials that can deform and adapt to limb volume changes, achieving both structural stability and adaptability through material composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If static socket designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but comfort and security of fit deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and security of fitVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the socket to automatically adjust and adapt to limb volume changes through inherent compliant material properties without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by creating a socket that transitions from static to dynamic behavior, where the compliant material continuously adapts its shape and volume to match limb changes, improving comfort while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid materials are used, then structural strength is maintained, but skin comfort and breathability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin issues and discomfortVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible shells and thin films by using compliant material layers that can deform and conform to the limb surface, improving skin comfort and breathability while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the flexible construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Temperature

If conventional socket interfaces are used, then suspension is achieved, but skin environment quality deteriorates due to heat and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin temperature and moistureVSAvoidsuspension reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials that allow heat and moisture to escape from the socket-limb interface, improving skin environment quality while maintaining suspension reliability through the porous structure's ability to manage thermal and moisture transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 significantly reduces skin issues, enhances biomechanical efficiency, and provides a more comfortable and secure fit, accommodating volume changes and improving the overall usability of prosthetic devices by distributing forces more evenly and maintaining consistent contact with the user's skin.

Implementation Method 1

a compliant structure (200) that may be spanned between the anchors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240277493A1Method of fitting a prosthetic interface system using compliant members

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 MARTIN JAMES JAY

AI summary

A prosthetic or orthotic device using at least one of measurements of residual limb length or circumference to define a prosthetic socket assembly configuration, comprising modular socket components fitted to the individual user's residual limb having a mounting point for an attachment, at least one compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit, and at least one second compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit wherein the first compliant member and the second compliant member work in cooperation with the stabilizing unit(s) to control bone position and support the limb within the interface.