Waterproof Prosthetic Sleeve with Anatomical Cuff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for exterior prostheses, such as bathing prostheses and vacuum or shrink tubes, fail to provide effective waterproofing and protection against foreign bodies like sand and dust, leading to damage and discomfort during water activities, and often draw attention due to their design and functionality limitations.
Innovation Solution
A protective device made from semi-elastic, waterproof, and durable material with a cuff or sleeve-like design that conforms to the anatomy of the user, preventing water and foreign bodies from entering, and featuring a durable, damage-resistant construction with adhesive properties to ensure a secure fit and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bathing prosthesis made from plastics is used, then the prosthesis can be worn during water activities, but the wearing comfort and handling are inferior compared to metal or carbon prostheses
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is designed as a sleeve that fits over the existing metal or carbon prosthesis, creating a nested structure where the waterproof sleeve encloses the valuable prosthesis. This allows the prosthesis to maintain its superior handling and comfort properties while being protected from water damage during aquatic activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device uses a flexible, waterproof sleeve material that conforms to the prosthesis shape and body contours. This flexible shell provides waterproof protection while maintaining the natural movement and handling characteristics of the original prosthesis, avoiding the rigid plastic construction of traditional bathing prostheses.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bathing prosthesis is removed at the water's edge, then the prosthesis is protected from water damage, but the handicap becomes evident and attracts attention
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is designed with skin-tone coloring and surface textures that mimic natural human skin appearance. This camouflage effect allows the wearer to maintain a natural aesthetic appearance even while the prosthesis is protected from water damage, eliminating the need to remove the prosthesis at the water's edge.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tube with rubber drawstring is used to seal the prosthesis, then the prosthesis is protected from water penetration, but the valve may be damaged or opened during use
Solution Approach 1:
The vulnerable valve and pumping bulb components are completely removed from the design. Instead, a simple elastic drawstring closure mechanism is used at the opening of the sleeve, eliminating the complex valve system that was prone to damage and opening during water activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device uses a flexible waterproof sleeve material with an elastic drawstring closure instead of a rigid tube with a mechanical valve. This flexible construction provides reliable water penetration prevention while being durable and resistant to damage during active water use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a shrink tube is used to fit closely to the body, then the sealing effect is improved, but the tube can only be used once and is difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve incorporates an elastic drawstring closure that can be dynamically adjusted - tightened to create a secure seal against the body, and easily loosened for removal and reuse. This dynamic closure mechanism provides effective sealing while allowing the device to be used multiple times, unlike disposable shrink tubes.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If excessive material is used in the protective device, then the sealing effect is improved, but swimming becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device uses a thin, flexible waterproof sleeve that closely conforms to the body and prosthesis contours. This minimizes material bulk while maintaining effective water sealing, allowing natural movement and comfortable swimming without the excessive material that would create drag and awkwardness.
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 device effectively prevents water and foreign bodies from penetrating, allowing users to engage in water activities safely and comfortably without drawing attention, while being reusable and easy to handle and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The protective device is made from an at least semi-elastic, waterproof or watertight or custom-designed sufficiently preventing water from penetrating the inside of the protective covering resilient and durable and damage-resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
People who wear a prosthesis currently have to use a bathing prosthesis if they wish to pursue water sports or take a shower or reach a body of water for recreational purposes and take active part in beach pursuits safely. However, these are usually taken off for swimming though this is very often not possible in the case of rocky shores or unsupervised beaches, quite apart from the unwelcome attention to which the person wearing the prosthesis is sometimes exposed in doing so. To solve this problem, a protective device for use for exterior prostheses is suggested, in which the protective device is a protective covering made from an at least semi-elastic, durable and damage resistant material being watertight or custom-designed sufficiently preventing a penetration of water into the inside of the protective covering and being dimensionally conformed to the shape of the body, and at least one end of which is furnished with a cuff or sleeve or collar like semi-elastic device that is dimensionally adapted to the contours of the anatomy of the person wearing the protective covering to prevent water or moisture or foreign bodies from penetrating the protective covering. This is particularly convenient and easy to carry and use when travelling and for recreational sport.