3D Spacer Knit Joint for Prosthetic Cover Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic prosthesis covers often experience cracking due to high load deformations in the joint region, leading to reduced durability and altered flexion and extension behavior, especially when made of foam or rubber materials.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic prosthesis cover featuring a 3D spacer warp-knit joint portion with upper and lower textiles affixed by support threads, allowing for necessary expansion and compression without influencing prosthetic functionality, combined with a modular design and optional elastic casing for a natural appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cosmetic prosthesis covers are made of foam or rubber materials to achieve a natural appearance, then visual appearance is improved, but durability deteriorates due to cracking from high load deformations in the joint region
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two distinct parts: a durable inner cover made of synthetic textile material that covers the joint region, and an outer cosmetic cover made of foam or rubber material that provides natural appearance. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the prosthesis cover are assigned different material properties: the joint region uses a durable synthetic textile material to withstand high loads and deformations, while the non-joint regions use foam or rubber materials to provide a natural cosmetic appearance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between appearance and durability.
2Reliability
If reinforcement layers are added to the joint region to improve durability, then durability is improved, but the flexion and extension behavior of the prosthetic joint is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into an inner cover that provides reinforcement in the joint region and an outer cosmetic cover that does not interfere with joint movement. The inner cover's reinforcement is localized to where it is needed for durability, while the outer cover maintains the natural flexion and extension behavior of the prosthetic joint.
3Reliability
If slots are introduced in the joint region to accommodate deformations, then durability is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates due to the visible slots
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cover contains the functional elements (slots or elastic regions) needed for durability and deformation accommodation, while the outer cosmetic cover provides a smooth, natural appearance. The outer cover is designed to visually blend with the inner cover, hiding any structural features while the inner cover performs its load-bearing function.
4Device complexity
If a single-piece cover design is used to simplify construction, then device complexity is reduced, but durability deteriorates due to cracking in the joint region
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into an inner cover and an outer cosmetic cover, with the inner cover specifically designed to withstand joint region deformations. This segmentation allows the inner cover to be optimized for durability without compromising the overall construction simplicity, as the outer cover can be separately optimized for appearance.
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 solution provides enhanced durability and elasticity, maintaining prosthetic functionality while allowing for adjustable fit and appearance, minimizing adverse effects on the prosthetic joint's behavior and ensuring a natural look.
Implementation Method 1
the joint portion is configured from a 3D spacer warp-knit which has an upper textile and a lower textile, which are affixed to one another in a spaced-apart manner by support threads... allowing necessary expansion and compression without influencing prosthetic functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cosmetic cover (1) for lining a prosthesis (10), with a distal section (2), and with a joint section (3) which, when the cosmetic cover (1) for the prosthesis is fitted in place, covers a joint mechanism (30) arranged between a proximal prosthesis component (40) and a distal prosthesis component (20), wherein the joint section (3) is made from a 3D spacer knit having an upper textile and a lower textile, which are spaced apart and attached to each other by support threads.