Adjustable Prosthetic Socket Tensioning for Limb Volume Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic sockets are static, bulky, and poorly fitted, leading to discomfort, pain, and tissue breakdown due to poor pressure distribution and inability to accommodate shape and volume fluctuations of residual limbs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable prosthetic socket system with flexible and rigid spines, tensioning elements, and adjustable tensioners that allow for customizable fit and pressure distribution, accommodating various residual limb sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static sockets are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the socket cannot accommodate shape and volume fluctuations of the residual limb causing discomfort and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The socket incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the socket volume to be adjusted. This includes an adjustment device with a first member having a first opening and a second member having a second opening, where the openings can be aligned at different positions to change the effective volume of the socket, thereby accommodating shape and volume fluctuations of the residual limb.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is divided into multiple functional components including a first member with a first opening and a second member with a second opening. These segmented components can be independently adjusted to modify the overall socket characteristics, enabling adaptation to different limb shapes and volumes without requiring complete redesign.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional rigid sockets are used, then structural strength is maintained, but pressure distribution is poor causing tissue breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The socket design incorporates different opening configurations that can be selected based on local pressure distribution requirements. By aligning the first and second openings at different positions, the socket can be customized to provide optimal pressure distribution at specific areas of the residual limb, preventing tissue breakdown while maintaining overall structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If conventional bulky sockets are used, then structural support is adequate, but ease of operation is reduced making donning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable volume mechanism allows the socket to be temporarily expanded by misaligning the first and second openings, creating a larger effective opening that facilitates easier donning. Once donned, the openings can be aligned to reduce the effective volume and provide adequate structural support, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable socket system includes a socket frame having a proximal area, a distal area opposite the proximal area, a first component arranged along a first side of the socket system, and a second component arranged along a second side of the socket system. The first component is connected to the second component. A tubular insert is arranged on an interior of at least the proximal area of the socket frame. The tubular insert forms an interior surface of the socket system. At least one tensioning element operatively connects the tubular insert to the first and/or second components. At least one tensioner is attached to the at least one tensioning element that selectively tensions the tensioning element to adjust a circumference of at least one area of the socket system.