Open-End Prosthetic Limb Heating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic limb heating devices are either unsafe due to direct contact with the stump or cannot be worn with traditional prosthetic assemblies, as they have closed ends and lack effective heating of the liner.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic limb heating apparatus with a sleeve having an open top and bottom, featuring a conductive wire that heats the liner when energized by a battery, allowing the prosthetic assembly to be worn normally while warming the stump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heated wire is placed in direct contact with the stump to warm it, then the warming effect is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to potential burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a prosthetic liner as an intermediary layer between the heated wire and the stump. The liner is heated by the conductive wire and then transfers heat to the stump through controlled thermal conduction, preventing direct contact between the heat source and the stump while maintaining effective warming and eliminating burn risk.
2Temperature
If a closed-ended warming sleeve is used to retain heat, then the warming efficiency is improved, but the compatibility with traditional prosthetic assemblies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with segmented open ends rather than being fully enclosed. The open upper end allows the prosthetic assembly to extend through while the open lower end allows insertion, creating a flexible structure that provides heating where needed while maintaining compatibility with traditional prosthetic assemblies.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a closed lower end is used to prevent liner removal, then the liner retention is improved, but the ability to wear with prosthetic assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve has different properties at different locations: the lower end is open to allow prosthetic assembly insertion and passage, while the upper portion maintains sufficient friction and fit to retain the liner in place. This localized differentiation of properties allows the sleeve to both retain the liner and accommodate the prosthetic assembly.
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 apparatus safely and effectively warms the prosthetic liner, enabling comfortable wear of traditional prosthetic assemblies while addressing the discomfort of cold stumps in amputees.
Implementation Method 1
A battery is operatively coupled to the side wall of the sleeve, the battery being electrically connected to the first and second ends of the conductive wire so as to selectively energize the conductive wire. The conductive wire is configured to impart heat to the prosthetic liner when the prosthetic liner is nested within the interior area of the sleeve and the conductive wire is energized.
Implementation Method 2
The conductive wire is configured to impart heat to the prosthetic liner when the prosthetic liner is nested within the interior area of the sleeve and the conductive wire is energized.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic limb heating apparatus for use with a prosthetic assembly includes a housing having a side wall that defines open upper and lower ends. The upper end is configured to receive an upper limb portion and prosthetic socket into the housing. The open lower end is configured to allow the upper limb portion to pass therethrough but not the prosthetic socket such that the prosthetic socket is nested in the interior area. An electrically conductive wire is situated on the housing and extends circuitously thereabout, the conductive wire having opposed first and second ends. A battery is coupled to the side wall of the housing and electrically connected to the first and second ends of the conductive wire so as to selectively energize the conductive wire. The conductive wire imparts heat to the prosthetic socket when the socket is nested within the housing and the conductive wire is energized.