Prosthetic Socket Vacuum Control via Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic devices face challenges in maintaining a proper vacuum level for comfortable and effective operation, as existing systems lack precise control over vacuum levels and distribution, leading to discomfort and improper fit for users.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a socket assembly, a force sensing member to detect forces at multiple locations, and a controller that adjusts the vacuum system based on detected forces, allowing for real-time control of vacuum levels and distribution to optimize fit and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum system is used to create vacuum within the socket cavity, then the residual limb is secured to the socket, but the vacuum level is difficult to control precisely leading to discomfort and improper fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs force sensing members that detect forces applied to the residual limb and provide feedback signals to a controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the vacuum system, maintaining optimal vacuum levels that ensure both secure attachment and user comfort. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling precise vacuum control that adapts to varying user needs and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the vacuum parameter based on detected force levels. When forces indicate improper fit or discomfort, the controller adjusts the vacuum level accordingly. This parameter adjustment capability allows the system to maintain reliable attachment while adapting to comfort requirements, resolving the contradiction between secure fit and user comfort.
2Reliability
If uniform vacuum is applied throughout the socket cavity, then the residual limb is held securely, but localized pressure points cause discomfort and potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the socket cavity into multiple zones with independent vacuum control. Force sensing members detect localized forces at different positions, and the controller adjusts vacuum levels independently for each zone. This allows high vacuum in areas requiring secure attachment while reducing vacuum in sensitive areas prone to pressure points, thereby resolving the contradiction between overall security and localized comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions within the socket cavity. Each region can have its vacuum level adjusted based on local force detection, allowing the system to maintain secure attachment overall while preventing harmful pressure concentrations in specific areas.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of vacuum levels is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot adapt to changes in user activity and atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated control. Force sensing members continuously monitor conditions, and the controller automatically modifies vacuum levels in response to detected changes in user activity or atmospheric pressure. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining system adaptability, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop enables the system to sense and respond to changing conditions without user input. The force sensing members provide continuous information about limb-positioning forces, and the controller adjusts vacuum levels accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to activity changes and atmospheric pressure variations while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Reliability
If high vacuum is applied to ensure secure fit, then the residual limb is firmly attached, but it causes discomfort and milking or pistoning effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes vacuum parameters based on detected force levels and user responses. When force sensing members detect indicators of discomfort or harmful effects like milking or pistoning, the controller reduces vacuum levels to alleviate these issues while maintaining sufficient attachment security. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between firm attachment and prevention of harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum level is made dynamic rather than static, continuously adjusting based on real-time force detection. This allows the system to apply high vacuum when secure attachment is needed and reduce vacuum when discomfort or harmful effects occur, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and prevention of milking and pistoning effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device includes a socket assembly defining a cavity and configured to receive a portion of a residual limb of a user within the cavity, a force sensing member configured to detect forces applied to the residual limb at a plurality of locations about the portion of the residual limb and generate signals based on the detected force, a vacuum system in fluid communication with the socket and configured to control an amount of vacuum applied to the cavity, and a controller coupled to the force sensing member and the vacuum system. The controller is configured to receive the signals from the force sensing member and control operation of the vacuum system during use of the prosthetic device by the user based at least in part on the signals received from the force sensing member.