Prosthetic Socket Stabilization via Dynamic Muscle Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional prosthetic socket attachment methods, such as vacuum suction, fail to securely stabilize the socket on a residual limb due to volume and shape changes, leading to instability, muscle atrophy, impaired proprioception, and circulatory issues, while existing muscle stimulation techniques are limited to pre-programmed patterns.
Innovation Solution
A system using position and force sensors to dynamically stimulate residual limb muscles with high-voltage pulses through stimulation pads, adjusting the stimulation based on real-time sensor data to maintain constant volume and improve positional control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum suction is used to affix the socket to the residual limb, then socket stability is improved, but the method fails to accommodate volume and shape changes of the residual limb
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vacuum level in the socket based on real-time volume changes of the residual limb. Sensors detect limb volume changes and the control system modulates the vacuum pump accordingly, allowing the socket to adapt to changing limb conditions while maintaining stable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Volume sensors continuously monitor the residual limb's volume and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to detect volume changes and automatically adjust the vacuum level to maintain optimal socket attachment, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If conventional vacuum attachment is used, then socket fixation is achieved, but muscle atrophy and impaired proprioception occur due to lack of muscle stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the vacuum attachment function with muscle stimulation function into a single integrated prosthesis system. The same socket that provides fixation also contains electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation to the residual muscle, combining two previously separate functions to eliminate muscle atrophy while maintaining socket stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a vacuum-secured socket for fixation and as a muscle stimulation device. The control system coordinates both vacuum regulation and electrical stimulation, allowing the device to perform multiple functions simultaneously, thereby preventing muscle atrophy without compromising socket fixation.
3Ease of operation
If pre-programmed muscle stimulation patterns are used, then muscle function is improved, but the system lacks adaptability to real-time physiological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor residual limb physiology and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables the muscle stimulation patterns to be dynamically adjusted based on actual physiological conditions, replacing fixed pre-programmed patterns with adaptive, real-time control that responds to changing limb states.
Solution Approach 2:
The muscle stimulation system transitions from static pre-programmed patterns to dynamic, real-time control. The control system continuously adjusts stimulation parameters based on sensor input, allowing the system to adapt to changing physiological conditions and provide optimal muscle function support under varying circumstances.
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
The system effectively stabilizes the prosthetic socket during normal activities, promotes muscle growth, reduces phantom pain, and enhances fluid circulation by replicating biological muscle activity, thereby improving overall prosthetic control and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A system using position and force sensors to dynamically stimulate residual limb muscles with high-voltage pulses through stimulation pads
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device, with method, advantageously applies dynamic stimulation of enclosed muscle tissue to stabilize a prosthetic socket on a residual limb. Dynamic stimulation is in response to physical conditions such as prosthesis motion, position and/or internal pressures. Tissue volume contained within the socket may be stabilized by varying average stimulation levels in response to internal socket pressure.