Segmented Prosthesis Cover for Comfortable, Secure Limb Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic coverings do not effectively address the need for a comfortable and secure fit over a wide range of motion, particularly for prosthetic limbs, due to limitations in material elasticity and structure.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic covering with distinct sections of varying elasticity and circumference, including a second section with a higher modulus of elasticity and larger diameter, designed to provide a material reserve and limit stretching, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit over the prosthetic limb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prosthetic covering is made with uniform material properties throughout, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot provide both comfort and security over a wide range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic covering is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) along its longitudinal extent, each with different material properties or structural characteristics. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific functional requirements while maintaining overall structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the prosthetic covering are assigned different local qualities: the second section has a larger modulus of elasticity and/or larger circumference compared to the first and third sections. This local differentiation enables the covering to provide both comfort (through elastic sections) and security/limit stretching (through stiffer sections) in appropriate locations.
2Ease of operation
If the prosthetic covering material is highly elastic, then it conforms well to the limb, but it stretches excessively and loses secure fit
Solution Approach 1:
The modulus of elasticity parameter is varied along the longitudinal extent of the prosthetic covering. The second section has a larger modulus of elasticity than the first and third sections, creating a gradient that balances conformity and secure fit. This parameter change allows the covering to adapt to limb shape while preventing excessive stretching in critical areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the prosthetic covering is made with uniform circumference, then manufacturing is straightforward, but it cannot accommodate varying limb dimensions throughout the range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic covering is segmented into sections with different circumferential dimensions. The second section has a larger circumference than the first and third sections, allowing it to accommodate varying limb dimensions during motion while the other sections maintain tighter fit. This segmentation approach balances manufacturing feasibility with adaptive functionality.
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 enhanced comfort and security by allowing the prosthetic covering to conform to the limb without excessive stretching, maintaining a stable fit and reducing material stress during use.
Implementation Method 1
The second section (20) has a larger modulus of elasticity... than the first and/or third section (10, 30)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthesis cover (100) of closed cross-section having a first portion (10), a second portion (20) and a third portion (30). The second portion (20) is located in the longitudinal direction between the first (10) and the third portion (30) and has a material characteristic, diameter and/or circumference different from one or both of the other portions (10, 30).