Prosthetic Socket Lock With Radial Elements to Prevent Slack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic attachment systems, such as vacuum suspension and locking pin-type systems, face issues with reliability, security, ease of use, and noise due to irregular loading, excessive movement, and perspiration, leading to user discomfort and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic attachment system featuring a circumferential locking groove and radially repositionable locking elements with a release mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks, providing a secure and intuitive connection between the prosthetic liner and socket, allowing for easy donning and doffing without requiring significant hand dexterity or strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking pin-type systems are used to attach the prosthetic liner to the socket, then the connection can be established, but the system may incorrectly lock if the user does not fully insert the locking pin, resulting in failure of the lock and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system automatically locks when the insert is inserted into the attachment unit, without requiring user intervention to manually engage the locking mechanism. The system self-activates upon insertion, eliminating the risk of incorrect manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking pin mechanism is replaced with an automatic locking system using radially repositionable locking elements that engage with the locking groove automatically upon insertion, substituting the need for manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical response.
2Ease of operation
If too much free play is provided between the locking pin and the lock, then insertion is easier, but the connection becomes slack causing pistoning and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are distributed circumferentially about the axis, providing localized engagement points around the circumference. This distributed arrangement ensures stable connection without excessive free play while maintaining ease of insertion through the central opening.
3Ease of manufacture
If the attachment lock is formed into the socket during manufacture with fixed orientation, then manufacturing is simplified, but the orientation cannot be tailored towards a specific patient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a fixed, static orientation to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The insert can be rotated to different orientations before insertion, and the locking elements can radially reposition to engage the locking groove at various angular positions, allowing patient-specific customization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If vacuum suspension is used to attach the socket to the residual limb, then comfort is increased, but the system can only be used with airtight sockets and the connection strength is compromised by irregular loading and perspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the insert attached to the liner and the attachment unit attached to the socket. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to provide reliable mechanical attachment independent of the vacuum suspension system, ensuring connection reliability even when vacuum effectiveness is compromised by perspiration or irregular loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.