Manual Prosthetic Vacuum Pump with Adjustable Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic suspension systems are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult to adjust, as they often require frequent visits to a prosthetist for adjustments due to changes in residual limb volume and inconsistent pressure distribution, and they can be unreliable due to battery operation or noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A manually-operated prosthetic vacuum pump that creates an elevated vacuum in the prosthetic socket, allowing for secure attachment and adjustable pressure through a piston mechanism with a spring and locking mechanism, enabling users to easily manage vacuum levels and maintain a secure fit throughout the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or electric pumps are used to establish negative pressures, then the prosthetic can be securely suspended, but the systems become heavy, difficult to use or adjust, and may cause discomfort or damage to the residual limb tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum pump mechanism from the traditional socket design and integrates it into a separate, removable cartridge that inserts into the socket. This allows the pump functionality to be taken out as a modular component, making the system easier to adjust and replace without replacing the entire socket assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is segmented into distinct functional components: a reusable socket, a removable pump cartridge, and a seal assembly. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and maintenance of each component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining suspension reliability.
2Reliability
If mechanical vacuum suspension systems are used, then the prosthetic can be suspended securely, but the systems cannot compensate for changes in residual limb volume, requiring frequent adjustments by a prosthetist
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cartridge incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the user to dynamically modify the vacuum level and pump characteristics. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to changing residual limb volume throughout the day, maintaining secure suspension without requiring professional adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system empowers the user to perform self-adjustments of the vacuum level and pump settings without requiring visits to a prosthetist. The adjustable components are designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to compensate for volume changes independently.
3Ease of manufacture
If weight-activated vacuum pumps are used, then the system can operate without batteries, but each step applies different pressure to the pump, leading to inconsistent vacuum levels and potential discomfort or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism incorporates a ratchet and pawl system that provides mechanical feedback control. As the user walks, the piston reciprocates and the ratchet mechanism regulates the vacuum level, preventing over-pumping and ensuring consistent vacuum maintenance regardless of variations in walking pressure or step intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-activated pump utilizes the periodic motion of walking to drive the piston reciprocatingly. Each step activates the pump cycle, and the ratchet mechanism ensures that each cycle contributes to maintaining a consistent vacuum level, transforming variable step pressures into uniform vacuum output.
4Reliability
If battery-operated vacuum pumps are used, then consistent vacuum can be maintained, but batteries require regular charging or replacement, creating inconvenience and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical battery-powered pump system with a mechanically-driven pump that utilizes the user's body weight and walking motion. This substitution eliminates the need for batteries, charging infrastructure, and electrical components, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining vacuum consistency through mechanical regulation.
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 solution provides a comfortable, secure, and adjustable fit for prosthetic limbs, compensates for changes in residual limb volume, and eliminates the need for frequent battery charging or adjustments, reducing discomfort and inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to move the piston in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
creates an elevated vacuum in a prosthetic socket
Data Source
AI summary
The Prosthetic Vacuum Pump is a manually-operated device, that is affixed to or integral with a prosthetic socket. The manual operation allows a wearer to increase the vacuum in the socket cavity if there is any noticeable decrease at any time. The Prosthetic Vacuum Pump includes a removable pump mechanism that allows a user to customize the level of vacuum drawn by the Prosthetic Vacuum Pump. The intake valve of the Prosthetic Vacuum Pump is in direct connection with the cavity of a prosthetic socket. By eliminating vacuum lines, the vacuum pump creates an immediate vacuum in the cavity. The result is an immediate suspension when the prosthetic limb is put on without the need to walk or wait for the battery to draw a sufficient vacuum. The compact construction and optional depress-lock is easily hidden beneath clothing.