Adjustable Prosthetic Socket Panels for Residuum Size Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic devices struggle to maintain a comfortable and secure fit due to fluctuations in residuum size caused by water retention or loss, leading to improper fit, discomfort, and potential pressure sores.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable prosthetic system featuring a socket with movable panels and a tensioning mechanism that allows for incremental adjustments to maintain a secure fit, accommodating changes in residuum size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional prosthetic devices with fixed sockets are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate daily fluctuations in residuum size due to water retention or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the socket panels movable rather than fixed. The panels can move relative to the rigid receptacle to accommodate changes in residuum size. This is achieved through tensioning lines that connect the panels and allow them to adjust their position dynamically in response to volume changes in the residuum, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the socket into multiple movable panels that can independently adjust to fit the residuum. Instead of a single fixed socket, the system uses segmented panels that can move relative to each other and the rigid receptacle, allowing localized adjustments that accommodate daily fluctuations in residuum size while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If amputees repeatedly adjust socks to maintain proper fit, then the fit can be maintained, but this causes pressure sores and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a system where the prosthetic socket automatically adjusts to fit the residuum without requiring manual intervention. The movable panels respond autonomously to volume changes in the residuum through the tensioning line mechanism, maintaining proper fit reliability while eliminating the harmful effects of repeated sock adjustments, including pressure sores and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the movable panels allows the system to continuously adapt to residuum volume changes without manual intervention. This dynamic response maintains reliable fit while preventing the harmful effects associated with repeated adjustments, as the system self-regulates based on real-time conditions.
3Ease of operation
If movable panels are used to accommodate size changes, then comfort and stability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using movable panels that can adjust their position relative to the rigid receptacle. This dynamic capability enhances comfort and stability by allowing the socket to adapt to residuum volume changes. The tensioning lines provide a relatively simple mechanical means to achieve this movement, balancing the enhancement in ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the socket into movable panels allows for localized adjustments that enhance comfort and stability without requiring complex overall system changes. Each panel can move independently to accommodate size changes, providing ease of operation through improved fit while keeping the individual panel mechanisms relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Prosthesis devices can include sockets having adjustable features. In one example, a socket includes one or more panels that can move outwardly or inwardly relative to a receptacle portion of the socket. The panels can be moved by tightening a tensioning line.