Adjustable Prosthetic Volume Compensation via Inflatable Bladder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Amputees face discomfort and instability due to daily fluctuations in limb volume, leading to improper fit of prosthetic devices, which current methods address inadequately through frequent adjustments of sock plies, causing inconvenience and potential skin damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inflatable bladder within the prosthetic device, adjustable via a pump actuator, to compensate for volume changes by altering pressure, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without the need for frequent sock adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sock plies are added or removed to adjust fit, then limb volume changes are compensated, but the prosthetic must be frequently doffed and donned causing inconvenience and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the volume compensation function from the sock plies and relocates it to a bladder system integrated within the prosthetic socket. The bladder can be inflated or deflated to compensate for limb volume changes without requiring the user to remove the prosthetic, thus maintaining fit stability while eliminating the inconvenience of frequent doffing and donning
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder acts as an intermediary between the limb and the socket structure. By inflating or deflating the bladder, the system mediates volume changes and maintains optimal fit without direct manipulation of the socket or removal of the prosthetic device
2Reliability
If multiple sock plies are carried for adjustments, then fit can be maintained during volume changes, but carrying and managing multiple sock plies creates hassle and recurring cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the volume compensation function, previously requiring multiple separate sock plies, into a single integrated bladder system. The bladder can provide continuous adjustment through inflation and deflation, eliminating the need to carry and manage multiple discrete sock plies while maintaining fit during volume changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If sock plies are used for discrete step changes in fit, then volume adjustments are possible, but continuous pressure adjustment is prevented hindering limb volume recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, discrete adjustment mechanism of sock plies into a dynamic system where the bladder can be continuously inflated and deflated. This allows for gradual, continuous pressure adjustment rather than discrete steps, enabling the limb to remain at lowest possible pressure for extended periods to maximize volume recovery while still providing full adaptability across the entire range of volume changes
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
Provides a continuous and discreet adjustment of pressure, maintaining optimal support and comfort by compensating for limb volume changes, reducing the need for frequent prosthetic removal and minimizing skin pressure-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is attached to a posterior portion of the prosthetic device. A bladder is positioned inside the prosthetic device. The pump is configured to pressurize fluid into the bladder
Implementation Method 2
The bleed actuator is configured to release the fluid from the bladder
Implementation Method 3
Inflating and deflating the bladder changes the volume of the bladder, therefore adjusting the pressure between the residual limb and the prosthetic device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modular adjustable prosthetic volume compensation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for adjusting fit of a prosthetic device includes: a pump having a bleed actuator, a plunger and a pressure bulb. The system also includes a bladder fluidically coupled to the pump. The bladder lines a posterior section of an interior of a prosthetic device. A volume of the bladder is changeable by a pumping action of the pump. The volume of the bladder at least partially determines a space available inside the prosthetic device. The bleed actuator is configured to decrease a volume of the bladder. The plunger in operation squeezes the pressure bulb of the pump.