Tapered Prosthetic Sock Volume Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current prosthetic socks with constant or tapered thickness are ineffective for managing volume changes in residual limbs due to varying muscle and fat distribution, leading to compromised prosthetic fit and control.
Innovation Solution
The use of tapered prosthetic socks in combination with a measuring template and a mobile/online application to monitor and adjust for volume changes, ensuring proper fit and control by informing users on the correct ply of sock to use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If constant wall thickness prosthetic socks are used, then manufacturing is simple, but volume management effectiveness is poor due to varying muscle and fat distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the wall thickness of the prosthetic sock at different locations along its length. The sock transitions from a thicker proximal end to a thinner distal end, matching the natural anatomy of the residual limb where muscle and fat distribution varies. This localized thickness variation improves volume management effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard knitting processes with adjusted parameters.
2Reliability
If tapered prosthetic socks are used, then volume management control is improved, but it is difficult to detect and measure the appropriate thickness distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual measurement and calculation methods with a mobile application that uses camera-based image processing. The application captures an image of the residual limb and automatically calculates the appropriate sock thickness distribution, eliminating the need for users to manually measure and compute taper ratios. This substitution makes the measurement and detection process simple while maintaining improved volume management control.
3Ease of operation
If amputees with sensory deficiencies use traditional socks, then basic prosthetic coverage is provided, but they cannot sense volume changes until it becomes a major problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the mobile application to regularly capture images of the residual limb and compare its volume against baseline measurements. The application automatically detects volume changes and notifies the user, providing information feedback that compensates for the user's lack of sensory perception. This feedback mechanism ensures users with sensory deficiencies can monitor their residual limb volume and receive timely alerts before problems become major.
4Force
If distal end thickness is increased for below knee amputees, then loading requirements are met, but the 1/3 distal to 2/3 circumferential thickness ratio is upset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sock thickness distribution adjustable rather than fixed. The mobile application calculates optimal thickness ratios based on the user's specific anatomy and loading requirements, allowing the distal to circumferential thickness ratio to be dynamically optimized for each user. This dynamic approach enables meeting loading requirements while maintaining appropriate thickness ratios through personalized rather than standardized designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for residual limb volume management. Specifically the present invention relates to tapered prosthetic socks used in combination with a measuring template such that, when compressed, a user can see whether or not their residual limb has swelled or shrunk. The point at which the top edge of the socket of the prosthetic stops when in a compressed stance is the “0” mark on the measuring template and any upward or downward movement will be noticed by the user via a baseline drawn onto the prosthetic sock made using the measuring template. A mobile/online application can be implemented to remind the user to regularly check the baseline and instruct the user if corrective action is needed.