Intelligent Prosthetic Socket With Piezoelectric Sensor Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prosthetic sockets often fail to maintain a perfect fit over time due to changes in body weight and residual limb size, leading to chronic skin problems such as pressure ulcers, dermatitis, and pain, as existing solutions lack real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent socket equipped with an inner-socket sensor array that records real-time pressure and shear force data using piezo-electric material and metal pads, connected to a signal processing circuit and computing device for visualization and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional prosthetic socket with liner is used, then the socket can provide basic cushioning and vacuum seal, but it cannot monitor or detect pressure and shear force in real-time, leading to undetected skin problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term fit stabilityVSAvoidpressure and shear force data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive mechanical liner system with an intelligent sensor array integrated into the socket interior. The sensor array uses piezoelectric materials to convert mechanical pressure and shear force into electrical signals, enabling active monitoring and detection of forces applied to the residual limb, thus preventing skin problems through real-time data collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal processing circuit as an intermediary between the sensor array and the user/clinician. This intermediary processes the raw electrical signals from the piezoelectric sensors, converting them into meaningful pressure and shear force data that can be visualized and used to adjust socket fit, thereby bridging the gap between physical force application and actionable information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the socket is fitted to the residual limb, then it can provide initial comfort, but changes in body weight and limb size cause the socket to no longer fit perfectly over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial comfortVSAvoidlong-term adaptability to body changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor array continuously monitors pressure and shear force distribution within the socket. This real-time data provides feedback about fit quality, allowing users and clinicians to detect when body weight or limb size changes have compromised the socket fit, enabling timely adjustments to maintain comfort and prevent skin problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static socket design into a dynamic monitoring system. The sensor array and signal processing circuit enable the socket to adaptively respond to changing conditions by providing continuous data about force distribution, allowing the system to adjust to body changes over time through informed modifications to the socket or liner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If no sensor monitoring system is used, then the socket structure remains simple, but chronic skin problems such as pressure ulcers, dermatitis, and pain cannot be detected or prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket structureVSAvoidskin problems from poor fit

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function into discrete sensor elements arranged in an array within the socket. Each sensor element independently measures local pressure and shear force, allowing the system to detect specific problem areas without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire socket structure. The segmented approach enables targeted monitoring of high-risk zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 continuous monitoring and dynamic visualization of pressure and shear force data, enabling real-time adjustments to minimize discomfort and prevent skin issues, thereby improving the long-term fit and comfort of prosthetic devices.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor array includes a piezo-electric material and a uniform distribution of a plurality of metal pads on either side of the piezo-electric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11497630B2Intelligent prosthetic socket

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

A system can be used to record real-time pressure and/or shear force data within a socket for a prosthetic device. The system includes a socket for a prosthetic device that can be designed to fit a patient's residual limb. The system also includes a sensor array that can be placed within the socket for the prosthetic device to detect pressure and/or shear force on the patient's residual limb. The sensor array includes a piezo-electric material and a uniform distribution of a plurality of metal pads on either side of the piezo-electric material. Each of the plurality of metal pads on either side of the piezo-electric material comprises at least one wire connected to a common port.