Prosthetic Socket Thermal Regulation via Embedded Peltier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic limb heating/cooling devices are either unsafe due to direct contact with the residual limb or cannot be worn with prosthetic assemblies, as they lack an open design and thermal regulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating socket apparatus with an open top and bottom, embedding thermal adjustment elements and a power supply within the socket, allowing for selective heating or cooling of the residual limb while accommodating prosthetic devices, using flexible heating elements, heat exchange fluids, and Peltier devices for controlled temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heated wire is used in direct contact with the residual limb, then heating effectiveness is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential burning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature control unit as an intermediary between the power supply and the heated wire. This control unit regulates the temperature of the heating element to prevent burning while maintaining effective heating. The control unit acts as a mediator that ensures safe operation by monitoring and adjusting the thermal output.
2Temperature
If a closed lower end design is used, then thermal retention is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because prosthetic assemblies cannot be worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating/cooling apparatus into separate functional components: a temperature control unit with power supply and a removable heating/cooling element. This segmentation allows the heating/cooling component to be detached and replaced, enabling the system to work with different prosthetic assemblies while maintaining thermal retention capabilities when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal units are embedded within the socket, then safety is improved by preventing direct contact, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the heating/cooling elements within the socket structure, nesting the thermal units inside the socket housing. This nesting approach protects the thermal elements from direct contact with the user while integrating them into the existing socket design, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a temperature control unit with regulated heating is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases compared to unregulated heated sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control unit incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the temperature of the heating element and adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback system prevents overheating and burning while maintaining comfortable heating levels, adding safety without requiring overly complex control systems.
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
Provides safe and effective thermal regulation for amputees, allowing for comfortable wear with prosthetic limbs by preventing overheating and enabling temperature adjustment without direct contact risks, while allowing for the use of prosthetic assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in selective communication with the residual limb so as to transfer heat thereto
Implementation Method 2
a Peltier device embedded within the socket and in selective thermal communication with the residual limb and the heat sink
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink positioned within the socket at a location spaced from the residual limb
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor embedded within the socket and in selective thermal communication with the residual limb
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulating socket apparatus for selectively heating or cooling a residual limb of an amputee is provided. The temperature regulating socket apparatus includes a socket having a brim, a distal end and a continuous side wall, all defining an open interior area for receiving the residual limb therein and a temperature regulating apparatus. The temperature regulating apparatus includes a thermal adjustment element embedded within the socket side wall; a temperature control unit operatively coupled to the thermal adjustment element; and a power supply operatively coupled to the temperature control unit. When the power supply is in its ON orientation the temperature control unit is powered so that the temperature control unit regulates the temperature of the thermal adjustment element to selectively heat or cool the residual limb within the socket.