Prosthetic Socket Inflatable Bladder Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scoliosis bracing and prosthetic socket systems face challenges in ensuring consistent and effective pressure distribution due to varying limb volumes and activity levels, leading to discomfort, poor fit, and reduced compliance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inflatable pressure bladders within scoliosis braces and prosthetic sockets, controlled by a proprietary application and monitored by a remote server, allows for cyclic pressure adjustments and automatic pressure maintenance based on user-set values and real-time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual pressure adjustment mechanisms are used in prosthetic sockets, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure consistency and adaptability to limb volume changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder system automatically adjusts pressure in response to limb volume changes without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors limb dimensions and autonomously inflates or deflates the bladder to maintain optimal pressure distribution, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while ensuring consistent pressure control throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis transitions from a static pressure distribution system to a dynamic one. The inflatable bladder can be adjusted in real-time based on limb volume changes caused by activities, hydration, or temperature variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal pressure consistency without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixed-pressure bracing systems are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying limb volumes and activity levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by adjusting the inflation state of the bladder. Instead of manufacturing a rigid fixed-pressure brace, the system allows pressure to vary within a controlled range based on limb volume changes. The bladder can be inflated to higher pressures when the limb shrinks or deflated when the limb swells, maintaining adaptability while preserving manufacturing precision of the brace structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracing system incorporates a dynamic pressure control mechanism that allows the pressure distribution to adapt to varying limb volumes and activity levels. The inflatable bladder can be adjusted in real-time based on patient feedback, limb measurements, or activity level, transforming a static manufacturing precision problem into a controllable dynamic system.
3Productivity
If continuous pressure application is maintained, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but comfort and compliance deteriorate due to pressure points and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic pressure application cycles rather than continuous pressure. The inflatable bladder can be inflated and deflated in controlled cycles, allowing pressure to be applied during treatment phases and reduced during comfort phases. This periodic action maintains treatment effectiveness while preventing pressure points and discomfort that would reduce compliance, as the varying pressure levels adapt to the patient's comfort needs throughout the day.
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
This solution enhances the consistency and quality of pressure application, improving brace compliance and prosthetic fit, thereby reducing discomfort and promoting more effective treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more inflatable bladders which are cyclically controlled and monitored to increase and decrease pressure
Implementation Method 2
A pressure sensor monitors the internal pressure of the inflatable bladder and provides feedback to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the invention a novel prosthetic socket may include one or more inflatable pressure bladders disposed within the socket which may be controlled to be set at a desired pressured by the patient, and then automatically monitored and controlled to maintain the set pressure. The user may further incrementally increase or decrease the pressure as needed for different activities. A control system may comprise an external control device, such as a cell phone/tablet running a proprietary control and monitoring application, and may further include a back-end server which stores patient data, operating values and long term monitoring data.