Prosthetic Socket Inner-Outer Shaft Design for Stump Shape Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic shaft manufacturing methods do not adequately account for the changes in shape and size of limb stumps over time, leading to discomfort and pressure points due to stiffness, which can result in pain and mobility issues for amputees.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a computing system and data collection to predict future geometric data of limb stumps, allowing for the creation of prosthetic shafts with adjustable components that fit optimally at both the time of creation and later wearing times, using a combination of geometric data prediction and adaptive design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer shaft is made stiff to transmit forces between the body and prosthesis, then strength and rigidity are improved, but pressure on the stump increases causing discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic shaft is divided into two separate components: an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The outer shaft provides the necessary strength and rigidity for force transmission, while the inner shaft is designed to be softer and more compliant to reduce pressure on the stump. This segmentation allows each component to independently fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic shaft system combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a stiff outer shaft material for structural strength and a softer inner shaft material for comfort. This composite approach creates a unified structure that simultaneously achieves both high strength and low pressure characteristics that would be difficult to obtain with a single material.
2Manufacturing precision
If the prosthetic shaft is manufactured based on current stump geometry, then initial fit is improved, but fit deteriorates over time as stump shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shaft is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to changes in stump geometry over time. Unlike the rigid outer shaft, the inner shaft can deform and conform to the evolving shape of the stump, maintaining optimal fit and comfort as the stump undergoes natural changes during the healing and adaptation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accounts for parameter changes in stump geometry by designing the inner shaft with specific material and structural properties that allow it to accommodate these changes. The inner shaft's parameters (such as softness and compliance) are specifically chosen to match and adapt to the expected evolution of stump shape, ensuring long-term fit accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece prosthetic shaft is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but ability to adapt to stump changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic shaft is segmented into manufacturable components (outer shaft and inner shaft) that can be produced separately using standardized processes. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling the system to achieve adaptability through the combination of components with different properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing or for planning the manufacturing of a prosthetic shaft, of an inner shaft of an outer shaft and/or of an extension of the prosthetic shaft, wherein the prosthetic shaft is provided for receiving a limb stump of a patient. In addition, the present invention relates to a prosthetic shaft and a kit. Furthermore, a computing system, a digital storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program are proposed.