Post-Amputation Residuum Shell with Slits and Compression Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-amputation residuum protection devices struggle to effectively accommodate volume fluctuations in the residuum, leading to instability and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A shell with circumferentially spaced longitudinal slits and a compression sleeve that can be everted to provide a compressive fit, accommodating changes in volume and diameter, ensuring secure and comfortable protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid shell structure is used to protect the residuum, then protection and stability are improved, but adaptability to volume fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shell structure with circumferentially spaced longitudinal slits that allow the shell to flex and adapt to volume changes in the residuum. The slits enable the shell to expand and contract while maintaining its protective function, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for protection and flexibility for adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is divided into segments by the circumferential slits, allowing independent movement of shell portions. This segmentation enables the shell to accommodate volume fluctuations while maintaining overall structural integrity and protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compression sleeve is added to accommodate volume fluctuations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression sleeve is integrated with the shell structure, combining the protective shell and compression functions into a unified device. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate protection and compression devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure serves multiple functions: protection, adaptation to volume changes, and compression. The circumferential slits enable the shell to perform both protective and adaptive functions simultaneously, reducing the need for additional components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shell structure is made more flexible to accommodate volume changes, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is designed as a flexible structure with longitudinal slits that allow controlled deformation. The flexibility enables adaptation to volume changes while the shell material and structure maintain sufficient stability for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to change shape and accommodate volume fluctuations. The circumferential slits enable the shell to dynamically adjust its configuration while maintaining structural integrity.
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 flexible and adjustable protection system that conforms to the residuum's changing size, offering consistent and secure fit, reducing discomfort and instability due to edema fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve everts upon application of a longitudinal force to the distal portion of the sleeve in a proximal direction for folding over and covering the shell
Implementation Method 2
The distal portion of the everted sleeve extends proximally of the shell to a position at least partially along the proximal portion of the sleeve for compressing the shell inwardly toward the residuum
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting a post-amputation residuum comprises a shell defining a hollow interior cavity adapted for receiving and covering a distal portion of the residuum. The shell has an opening into the cavity at the distal end. A proximal portion of a compression sleeve is adapted to be disposed over at least a portion of the residuum. A free distal portion of the sleeve is configured to extend through the opening in the shell. The sleeve everts upon application of a longitudinal force to the distal portion of the sleeve in a proximal direction for folding over and covering the shell. The distal portion of the sleeve extends proximally of the shell to a position at least partially along the proximal portion of the sleeve for compressing the shell inwardly toward the residuum.