Prosthetic Socket with Segmented Carbon Masts for Limb Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic sockets for lower limbs are uncomfortable due to rigidity, fail to adapt to volume changes in the amputated limb, require frequent renewal, and pose hygiene challenges, with difficulty in maintaining proper contact and control during movement.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring a combination of flexible silicone rubber and rigid carbon masts that can move apart or together, providing adaptability to volume changes and comfort, eliminating the need for a sleeve and enhancing dynamic support, while the silicone rubber's durability and low odor properties facilitate easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid socket structure is used to support body weight, then structural strength is improved, but comfort and adaptability to limb volume changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into multiple rigid struts or masts that are spaced apart, allowing the structure to flex and adapt to volume changes while maintaining overall structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid struts are designed to move relative to each other, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to changing limb volumes while maintaining strength
2Strength
If a rigid socket structure is used to support body weight, then structural strength is improved, but comfort during seating and extended use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented strut structure allows localized deformation and adaptation to the deformity of the amputated lower limb during seating, distributing pressure more evenly while maintaining overall structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure changes its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to loading conditions, becoming more compliant during seating while maintaining rigidity during weight-bearing activities
3Ease of operation
If a liner is added inside the socket to improve comfort, then comfort and ease of placement are improved, but device complexity and hygiene maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the socket is lined with a flexible material that provides comfort and ease of placement while being integrated into the socket structure, reducing the need for separate removable liners
Solution Approach 2:
The comfort layer is merged with the socket structure itself, combining the structural and comfort functions into a single integrated device, thereby reducing overall complexity
4Device complexity
If contact sockets are used without a liner, then device complexity is reduced, but comfort and hygiene maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A thin flexible lining is applied to the inner surface of the socket, providing comfort properties while maintaining a simple integrated structure without requiring separate removable liners
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 socket provides improved comfort and adaptability, reduces the need for frequent refitting, enhances control and proprioception, and extends the lifespan of the prosthetic by using durable materials, allowing for natural movement and better tolerance of various activities and environments.
Implementation Method 1
Because silicone rubber is a deformable, flexible, and elastic material, it provides the socket with the flexibility to adapt to variations in volume of the amputated lower limb, as well as to changes in shape
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a socket (100) for interfaced between an amputated lower limb and a modular element (104), comprising: - a proximal part (102) allowing the insertion of the amputated lower limb; - a distal part (103) allowing the fixation of the modular element (104), characterized in that it comprises: - an inner deformable layer (108) made of silicone rubber intended to be in contact with the amputated lower limb; - an outer deformable layer (120) made of silicone rubber; - a rigid material structure (117) disposed between the inner layer (108) and the outer layer (120), comprising at least two masts (118), each mast (118) extending substantially axially from a base (125) on the distal side to an end (126) on the proximal side, the ends (126) of the different masts (118) not being connected so as to move away from or towards each other under the effect of a deformation of the inner layer (108) and the outer layer (120).