Adjustable Prosthetic Socket With Binary Tensioning Fit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic sockets are rigid, bulky, and difficult to fit, causing discomfort and soft tissue breakdown due to shape and volume fluctuations of the residual limb, and existing adjustable sockets are labor-intensive and complicated, posing challenges for users with limited dexterity or cognition.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable socket system with a tensioning unit featuring a handle and moment arm mechanism that allows easy transition between open and closed configurations, providing a binary on/off operation and optional elastic elements for automatic volume adaptation, simplifying the fitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid sockets are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to residual limb shape and volume fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket structure transitions from a rigid static form to a dynamic adjustable form through the integration of multiple shell components that can be independently positioned. The first shell component (202) and second shell component (204) can be adjusted relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the socket to adapt to changing limb volume and shape while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid base (206) and support members.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable sockets with individual components are used, then adaptability to volume and shape fluctuations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into discrete adjustable shell components (202, 204) that can be independently positioned, allowing targeted adjustment of specific regions. This segmentation enables adaptability to localized volume and shape changes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms throughout the entire socket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the socket have different adjustment capabilities. The first shell component (202) and second shell component (204) can be adjusted independently to address specific areas of the residual limb that require accommodation, while other regions maintain their structural form. This localized adjustment reduces overall device complexity by focusing adaptability where needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If complicated tightening systems are used, then fitting precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system incorporates features that facilitate self-adjustment by the user. The adjustable shell components and tightening mechanisms are designed to be operated by the user themselves without requiring professional assistance, enabling them to make real-time adjustments to accommodate limb fluctuations and maintain proper fit independently.
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
Enhances user safety and comfort by reducing the risk of over-tightening or under-tightening, improving ease of use for users with limited dexterity or cognition, and accommodating limb shape and volume changes.
Implementation Method 1
a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
one or more elastic elements operatively coupled to the handle and the at least one tensioning element to permit automatic volume adaption of the adjustable socket system
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable socket system includes first and second shell components and first and second longitudinal supports connected to a base. The socket system is movable between an open configuration to loosen the fit of the socket system, and a closed configuration to secure the fit of the socket system on residual limb received therein. A tightening system includes a tensioning unit having a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis, and a tensioning element operatively coupled to the handle via a movable connection point located and protected between the first shell component and the first support and to the shell components via a control point. Rotation of the handle displaces the movable connection point and the tensioning element relative to the control point to move the socket system to the closed configuration.