Prosthetic Foot Vacuum System with Compressible Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional prosthetic foot vacuum systems are noisy and require high maintenance due to complex components, and they struggle to maintain stable socket retention as the amputated limb volume changes throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system for prosthetic feet comprising a compressible member with a chamber and a valve system that connects to the prosthetic socket, using a resilient bottom and top member to enhance energy transfer and stability, and a mounting bracket for improved attachment and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vacuum system is used to maintain stable socket retention, then limb volume stability and socket retention improve, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum pump from the prosthetic foot structure itself and relocates it to an external position (waistband or separate unit). Only the essential vacuum chamber and valve components remain integrated into the foot, significantly reducing internal complexity while maintaining the vacuum retention function. This resolves the contradiction by separating the complex pumping mechanism from the simple retention chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve system as an intermediary component between the vacuum chamber and the external environment. This valve mediates the vacuum pressure regulation and connects the simple internal chamber to external vacuum sources, allowing complex vacuum control functions to be implemented through a simple intermediary rather than complex internal mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a vacuum pump is integrated into the prosthetic foot, then vacuum retention is achieved, but noise and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The noisy vacuum pump is extracted from the prosthetic foot and positioned externally in the user's waistband or as a separate portable unit. This physical separation removes the noise source from the foot area, allowing vacuum retention functionality to be maintained while eliminating the harmful noise factor from the user's immediate environment.
3Stress or pressure
If a complex valve system is used to control vacuum pressure, then precise pressure control improves, but device complexity and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive one-way valve mechanisms that automatically regulate vacuum pressure without requiring active control systems, electronics, or complex mechanical assemblies. The valves self-regulate pressure based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control circuits or mechanically complex pressure regulation systems while maintaining reliable vacuum retention.
4Device complexity
If traditional friction-based retention is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but socket retention stability deteriorates as limb volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using vacuum pressure (negative pressure) to create socket retention. The vacuum pressure uniformly distributes retention force across the entire socket-limb interface, providing stable retention that adapts to limb volume changes throughout the day. This pneumatic approach replaces simple friction with pressure-based retention that maintains stability despite volume fluctuations.
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 system provides a more comfortable and stable fit for the residual limb, reduces noise, and requires less maintenance by using a compressible member that stores energy and maintains limb volume, enhancing the overall performance and health of the prosthetic foot.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member
Implementation Method 2
using a resilient bottom and top member to enhance energy transfer and stability
Implementation Method 3
Vacuum system for a prosthetic foot
Implementation Method 4
vacuum helps the limb volume to remain more stable which improves socket retention
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic foot comprising a vacuum system configured to attach to a vacuum attachment apparatus and a residual limb. The prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, and a vacuum system. The resilient bottom member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The resilient top member may comprise a front end and a rear end and the front end of the resilient top member may be connected to the front end of the resilient bottom member. The vacuum system may be coupled to an underside of the rear end of the top member. The vacuum system may comprise a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member, a valve system received within the compressible member, a passageway connecting the valve system and the chamber, and an air return coupled to the valve system and the vacuum attachment apparatus.