Prosthetic Socket with Sensor-Driven Adjustable Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amputees face challenges in maintaining a comfortable and effective fit with prosthetic limbs due to variations in residual limb volume and shape throughout the day, especially those with sensory loss, as existing adjustable sockets rely heavily on user skill and judgment.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic limb socket with a rigid support member featuring cantilevered support portions and adjustable panels, adjustable via cords or motors, and equipped with sensors to adapt interior volume, temperature, oxygen levels, and pressure, allowing for automatic adjustments and improved fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable panels are added to the socket, then adaptability to residual limb volume changes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into fixed support portions and adjustable panels, allowing selective modification of the socket interior volume without replacing the entire socket structure. This segmentation enables adaptability while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable panels can be moved between different positions (protruding into or out of the socket) to dynamically change the interior volume, allowing the socket to adapt to varying residual limb volumes throughout the day.
2Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment mechanisms with sensors are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket automatically adjusts itself based on sensor feedback without requiring user intervention. The system monitors residual limb conditions and makes adjustments autonomously, eliminating the need for user skill and judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor residual limb volume, shape, and conditions, providing feedback to the adjustment mechanism to automatically modify the socket fit, ensuring optimal comfort and performance throughout the day.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable panels are used, then manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the adjustable portion into multiple independent panels, each panel can be manufactured and adjusted separately, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a single large adjustable structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Prosthetic Limb Socket A prosthetic limb socket (1) comprises a rigid support member (3) comprising a distal base portion (5) and a plurality of support portions (7, 9) extending proximally from the base portion (5), a plurality of adjustable panels (13A, 13P) disposed between the support portions (7, 9) of the support member (3) and cords (15D, 15P) for adjusting a radial position of the panels relative to the support portions. The cords (15D, 15P) may be manually tightened or tightened by means of motor. Sensors (21)are deployed to provide for automatic adjustment of the position of the panels (13A, 13P) relative to the support portions (7, 9).