Prosthetic Vacuum Socket with Dynamic Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic devices using vacuum systems for connecting artificial limbs to residual limbs are bulky, heavy, difficult to adjust, and not well-suited for individual patient needs or environmental changes, and often fail to function properly when the patient is sitting.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a control structure that includes a vacuum pump, vacuum sensing mechanism, movement sensing mechanism, and controller to dynamically adjust the vacuum based on acceleration, orientation, force, and direction of the prosthetic device, ensuring secure connection and comfort during various activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual vacuum pump is used to create vacuum for connecting artificial limb to residual limb, then the device can maintain connection, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and difficult to apply to lightweight patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical vacuum pump with an electronic vacuum pump system. The electronic pump is controlled by a microcontroller that monitors vacuum levels via sensors and activates the pump only when needed, eliminating the need for bulky manual pumping mechanisms while maintaining reliable vacuum connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum parameters based on detected movement and position. The microcontroller modifies pump operation timing and duration based on real-time sensor data about patient activity, optimizing vacuum maintenance while minimizing pump usage and device weight requirements.
2Reliability
If an electronic vacuum pump operated by batteries is used, then vacuum can be created for connection, but the device becomes very large, noisy, difficult to adjust with accuracy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large battery-operated electronic vacuum pumps with a compact electronically-controlled pump system integrated into the prosthetic device. The microcontroller-based control system provides precise adjustment capabilities, replacing bulky manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect vacuum levels and patient movement, allowing the microcontroller to self-regulate pump operation without user intervention. This eliminates complex manual adjustment mechanisms and reduces device complexity while maintaining accurate vacuum control.
3Device complexity
If a fixed vacuum system is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot recognize and address changes in patient's environment or individual needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vacuum sensors and movement sensors that provide continuous feedback to a microcontroller. The system monitors vacuum levels and patient activity, automatically adjusting pump operation and vacuum pressure in response to detected changes in patient position or environment, enabling adaptive response without complex additional structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adaptable system. The microcontroller continuously adjusts vacuum parameters based on real-time sensor input about patient movement and position, allowing the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
4Speed
If a manual vacuum pump system is used, then the device can function during ambulation, but it does not function when the patient is sitting, resulting in loss of vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses movement sensors and vacuum sensors to detect when the patient transitions from standing/walking to sitting. The microcontroller receives feedback about position changes and automatically adjusts pump operation to maintain vacuum during sitting, preventing vacuum loss that occurs in manual systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system dynamically adapts its operation based on detected patient position. When sitting is detected, the system maintains vacuum through controlled pump operation rather than relying on movement-driven vacuum generation, ensuring consistent connection reliability across different patient activities.
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 lightweight, adjustable, and comfortable vacuum connection that maintains the prosthetic device securely on the residual limb, regardless of the patient's position or activity, improving usability and fit.
Implementation Method 1
create a vacuum in the socket to maintain the artificial limb on the residual limb
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum sensing mechanism configured to provide signals indicating the amount of vacuum in the connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic device comprises a connecting portion for connecting to a person using vacuum; and a control structure for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, wherein the control structure includes: a vacuum pump (502) in fluid communication with the connecting portion for controlling an amount of vacuum used to connect the connecting portion to the person, a vacuum sensing mechanism (506) configured to provide signals indicating the amount of vacuum in the connecting portion, a movement sensing mechanism (509) configured to provide signals indicating at least one of acceleration of the prosthetic device, orientation of the prosthetic device, force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a direction of force experienced by the prosthetic device, and a controller configured to receive signals from the vacuum sensing mechanism (506) and the movement sensing mechanism (509), and to control the vacuum pump (502).