Ultrasonic Transceiver Prosthetic Socket Fitment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of fitting prosthetic sockets is labor-intensive and often results in uncomfortable, unstable, or motion-restrictive prosthetic limbs due to existing alignment systems' inefficiencies in measuring socket reactions and adapting to individual patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic socket fitment system incorporating a transceiver assembly with an ultrasonic transceiver that generates and receives mechanical energy pulses to map the distance from the external frame to the bone, coupled with a processing module for data collection and analysis, enhancing the fitment process by improving alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment systems with transducers are used to measure socket reactions, then measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transducers and alignment devices with an ultrasonic transceiver system that uses acoustic waves to measure bone position and socket fitment. The ultrasonic transceiver emits sound waves that reflect off bone surfaces, providing measurement data without requiring complex mechanical contact sensors or alignment apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own bone structures as reflection surfaces for ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for external measurement fixtures or complex alignment tools. The bone itself serves as the measurement reference, and the system automatically captures fitment data during normal movement without requiring specialized measurement procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual fitting processes are used, then flexibility in adaptation is maintained, but productivity and fitting accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors bone position and socket fitment through ultrasonic measurements during patient movement, providing real-time feedback data. This feedback is processed to automatically generate fitment reports that guide socket adjustments, enabling rapid iteration and optimization of the fit without requiring lengthy manual assessment procedures at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs comprehensive ultrasonic scanning and bone mapping before final socket fabrication or adjustment, establishing a detailed digital record of patient anatomy and movement characteristics. This preliminary data collection enables precise customization of the socket design and predicts potential fitment issues before they occur during actual use.
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 system provides a more accurate and comfortable fit by precisely measuring bone alignment and adapting the socket fitment, thereby improving the stability and range of motion for prosthetic limbs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transceiver assembly in contact with an external frame coupled to a patient... configured to generate a signal directed to the bone of the patient and receive a reflected signal from the bone of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic socket fitment system for fitting a prosthesis to a patient can include at least one transceiver assembly in contact with an external frame coupled to a patient, and a processing module in electrical communication with the at least one transceiver assembly. The at least one transceiver assembly can be aligned to the bone of the patient and configured to generate a signal directed to the bone of the patient and receive a reflected signal from the bone of the patient.