Prosthetic Socket Cooling With Heat Spreader and TEC Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic sockets trap heat and moisture, leading to skin problems such as folliculitis, friction blisters, bacterial growth, and reduced quality of life due to elevated temperatures and sweating, which decrease prosthesis usability among amputees.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic socket cooling system featuring a thermally conductive heat spreader and heat extraction subsystem, including a thermal electric cooler (TEC) and fan, to maintain a desired temperature by dissipating heat through a thermally conductive adapter and conduit, controlled by a controller subsystem that adjusts based on temperature sensors and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-breathable and thermally insulating materials (silicone liner, socks) are used in the prosthetic socket, then cushioning and socket fit are improved, but heat and moisture are trapped leading to elevated temperatures and skin problems
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic socket is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner liner layer for cushioning and moisture management, and an outer socket structure for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling temperature regulation while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal management system is introduced as an intermediary between the user's residual limb and the prosthetic socket. This system includes thermally conductive elements that actively transfer heat away from the socket interior, mediating the thermal interaction and preventing heat buildup while preserving the insulating properties of the liner materials.
2Strength
If the prosthetic socket is designed for mechanical support and fit, then structural integrity is improved, but heat dissipation is hindered leading to thermal discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic socket incorporates thermally conductive materials specifically in regions where heat accumulation occurs, while maintaining thermally insulating materials in other areas for structural integrity and comfort. This localized application of different thermal properties allows the socket to maintain its mechanical strength while selectively dissipating heat from critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure utilizes composite materials combining thermally insulating materials (for structural integrity and cushioning) with thermally conductive materials (for heat dissipation). This composite construction enables the socket to simultaneously achieve mechanical strength and effective thermal management through the synergistic properties of different materials.
3Productivity
If activity duration is increased, then productivity is improved, but socket temperature elevation occurs leading to reduced quality of life
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system operates continuously during prosthetic use, actively removing heat from the socket interior throughout the entire activity period. This continuous thermal regulation ensures that temperature remains controlled regardless of activity duration, enabling users to maintain productivity without experiencing thermal discomfort or skin problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor socket interior temperature and provide feedback to the thermal management system. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts its cooling operation to maintain optimal temperature, allowing users to engage in extended activities while preventing thermal discomfort and skin issues.
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
Effectively reduces socket temperature, enhancing comfort and usability by minimizing skin irritation and infections, allowing amputees to maintain an active lifestyle.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive heat spreader configured to maximize contact with a residual limb of a user
Implementation Method 2
A heat extraction subsystem coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the thermally conductive heat spreader is configured to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket
Implementation Method 3
heat extraction subsystem, including a thermal electric cooler (TEC) and fan, to maintain a desired temperature by dissipating heat
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cooling a prosthetic socket includes placing a thermally conductive heat spreader including a curved shape portion in contact with a residual limb of a user, placing a heat extraction subsystem through a wall of the prosthetic socket and coupling the heat extraction subsystem to the thermally conductive heat spreader, and operating the heat extraction subsystem to drive heat from inside the prosthetic socket to an external environment using the thermally conductive heat spreader and the heat extraction subsystem such that a desired temperature is maintained in the prosthetic socket.