Textile Prosthetic Cosmetic with Opaque Base and Translucent Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prosthetic cosmetics made of elastomeric materials have limited durability, cushioning properties, and range of motion, while textile-based options fail to achieve a natural appearance due to artificial coloration and shading issues.

Innovation Solution

A prosthetic cosmetic with a textile base body using an opaque base material and a second transparent or translucent thread material applied on top, creating a deep color impression similar to natural skin, with adjustable design and elasticity to mimic human skin's appearance and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If prosthetic cosmetics are made of elastomeric materials with complex multi-layer coloring, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an elastomeric base material with a textile cover material to create a composite structure. The elastomeric material provides durability and cushioning properties, while the textile material with its woven structure and dye penetration offers natural-looking coloration. This composite approach achieves aesthetic appearance without requiring complex multi-layer coloring processes on pure elastomer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical coloring process (hand-applied multiple layers of color) with a chemical dyeing process where the textile material is浸透dyed. The color penetrates the textile fibers naturally, eliminating the need for complex mechanical application of multiple color layers while achieving satisfactory aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If prosthetic cosmetics are made of solid silicone or elastomers, then durability is improved, but the range of motion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidrange of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a textile cover material as a flexible outer layer that can stretch and move with the prosthetic limb. The textile structure with its inherent flexibility allows for greater range of motion compared to solid elastomer, while the underlying elastomeric base maintains durability. The combination creates a structure that is both durable and flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If textile materials are used with single color or artificial shading, then manufacturing is simplified, but the natural appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnatural appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color to the textile material in a way that creates local variations in color intensity and distribution. The dye penetrates the textile fibers to create natural-looking shading and depth, with different areas showing different color intensities that mimic natural skin tones. This local quality variation achieves natural appearance without requiring complex artificial shading processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4183375B1Prosthesis cosmetic and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PROD GMBH
  • EP4183375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4183375B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a prosthetic cosmetic with a textile base body made of an opaque base material (2) with a first color tone and at least one textile cover material (3) made of a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent thread material, which is processed on an outer surface of the base material and is dyed in a color tone or with a color saturation that differs from the first color tone.