Subcutaneous Prosthesis Implant with Movable Joint for Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional prosthesis systems for human limbs after amputation face issues with force transmission, leading to swellings, pressure sores, and inflammations due to point-like loading on the stump, which restricts muscle use and compromises wearing comfort.

Innovation Solution

A prosthesis system with a subcutaneously arranged implant featuring movable joint members, including a plate-like end portion that distributes forces over a larger surface area, an anatomically adapted contact face, and a medullary pin for optimal bone connection, allowing for better load distribution and reduced pressure on the stump, while enabling the use of remaining musculature for controlling the prosthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional shaft prosthesis is used, then the prosthesis can be connected to the bone portion, but point-like loading on the stump causes pressure sores, swellings, and inflammations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission stabilityVSAvoidpressure sores and tissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from point-like loading (0D/1D) to surface-area loading (2D) by providing a plate-like end portion with a large loading face that distributes forces over the stump surface, thereby eliminating pressure sores and tissue damage while maintaining reliable force transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If the shaft surrounds the stump on all sides, then force transmission is achieved, but the remaining musculature formation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidmusculature formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the force transmission function from the surrounding shaft structure by providing a dedicated plate-like end portion that handles load distribution, while the shaft can be designed as an open or partial structure that does not restrict musculature formation and development

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a precisely fitting shaft is used, then wearing comfort is improved, but locating and adapting the shaft takes time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearing comfortVSAvoidshaft adaptation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plate-like end portion is designed with predetermined geometric parameters and a large loading face that inherently provides optimal force distribution, eliminating the need for time-consuming adaptation procedures while ensuring wearing comfort from the outset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10828163B2Prosthesis system
Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ZARLING SVEN
  • US10828163B2 patent drawing
  • US10828163B2 patent drawing
  • US10828163B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In the case of known prosthesis systems and socket supplies, the transmission of force is a critical issue. The inventive prosthesis system shall improve known prosthesis systems. According to the invention, a prosthesis system for human limbs is provided, which comprises an implant (101) having at least two joint parts which are movable relative to each other, wherein the first joint part (110) can be connected to a bone part (131, 132) and the second joint part (120) comprises a subcutaneously arrangeable end part (124) on the side being remote from the joint. The invention further relates to a prosthesis system comprising a subcutaneous implant and a socket (170).