Prosthetic Vacuum Pump Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial limb sockets cause shear force and pressure issues on residual limbs, leading to swelling and edema due to uneven weight distribution and lack of total contact, which traditional positive and negative pressure systems fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump with shock absorption and controlled rotation is integrated into the artificial limb, creating a vacuum environment that distributes pressure evenly across the residual limb, reducing shear forces and enhancing comfort by using a housing and shaft configuration with intake and exhaust ports, and a rotational structure to manage movement and absorption of shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional sockets are used to support the residual limb, then the limb is supported, but shear force and pressure issues occur causing swelling and edema
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within the socket, replacing traditional mechanical support structures. The vacuum system distributes pressure evenly through air pressure, eliminating the harmful shear forces and concentrated pressure points that cause swelling and edema in conventional sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from positive pressure or atmospheric pressure to negative pressure (vacuum). This parameter change fundamentally alters how the socket interacts with the residual limb, distributing loads evenly through the vacuum environment rather than relying on mechanical contact that creates harmful pressure concentrations.
2Stress or pressure
If vacuum pump is added to create even pressure distribution, then pressure distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum pump mechanism directly into the prosthetic limb structure, combining the pressure distribution function with the existing socket and pylon components. The pump is integrated into the pylon, and the suction liner is incorporated into the socket, eliminating the need for separate external vacuum systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump system serves multiple functions: it creates even pressure distribution, reduces swelling, and provides shock absorption through the pneumatic spring mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity despite adding pressure control capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption structure is included, then shock absorption improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption function is merged into the vacuum pump mechanism itself through the pneumatic spring located within the pump housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate shock absorption components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective shock absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pneumatic spring within the vacuum pump to provide shock absorption. The compressible air spring absorbs mechanical shocks and vibrations, leveraging pneumatic elasticity to protect the residual limb from harmful impacts without requiring additional mechanical shock absorption components.
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 vacuum pump system provides even pressure distribution, reduces swelling and discomfort, and enhances the user's awareness of the artificial limb's position, allowing for more natural movement and improved prosthetic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump with shock absorption and controlled rotation is integrated into the artificial limb, creating a vacuum environment that distributes pressure evenly across the residual limb
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorption structure included within the pump and configured to absorb a shock to the shaft upon movement into the pump and return of the shaft to an extended position relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum pump having shock absorption and controlled rotation for use in an artificial limb. The pump includes a housing having a first chamber, and a shaft configured to be received by and to reciprocate within the first chamber, the housing and shaft forming a pump chamber. A piston may be coupled to the shaft and positioned within the pump chamber, and intake and exhaust ports are fluidly coupled to the pump chamber. Rotational structure is mounted with respect to the pump to provide controlled rotation of the shaft relative to the housing, and shock absorption structure is included within the pump to provide shock absorption for the shaft. Both a pneumatic spring and a mechanical spring element may be provided for the shock absorption structure. An optional adapter couples the shaft to the pylon of an integral pylon prosthetic foot.