Vacuum Prosthetic Liner Donning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aids do not facilitate the easy donning and doffing of prosthetic liners, particularly for users with sensitive residual limbs or those who have had multiple amputations, as these liners are smaller in diameter than the residuum and can be difficult to apply without causing frictional pain.
Innovation Solution
A liner donning and doffing device with a receiving member and end cap that creates a vacuum to expand the prosthetic liner, allowing it to be easily placed over or removed from the residual limb without frictional contact, using a removable vacuum pump to manage air pressure and ensure an airtight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the prosthetic liner is made smaller in diameter than the residuum to provide compression, then the liner fit and compression are improved, but the ease of donning and doffing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a donning device as an intermediary tool between the user and the prosthetic liner. This device includes a cylindrical chamber with a vacuum pump that temporarily holds the liner and applies vacuum to expand it, allowing the liner to be easily positioned on the residuum without direct manual manipulation of the compressed liner itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vacuum pressure (pneumatics) to expand the prosthetic liner during the donning process. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure within the donning device chamber, causing the liner to expand to its full diameter, making it easier to position over the residuum. After positioning, releasing the vacuum allows the liner to contract and conform to the residuum shape.
2Reliability
If the prosthetic liner is made smaller in diameter than the residuum to provide compression, then the compression effect is improved, but the frictional pain during application worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary expansion of the prosthetic liner using vacuum pressure before the liner contacts the residuum. By expanding the liner within the donning device chamber, the system ensures the liner is at its full diameter and smoothest state before application, minimizing friction and potential pain during the donning process. The compression is then achieved after positioning by releasing the vacuum.
3Reliability
If the prosthetic liner is made smaller in diameter than the residuum, then the liner can provide necessary compression, but the difficulty of application for sensitive users worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The donning device serves as a mediator that handles the difficult task of liner manipulation. The device's cylindrical chamber and vacuum mechanism allow the liner to be expanded and positioned without requiring the user to directly manipulate the compressed liner, thereby reducing the difficulty of application for users with sensitive residual limbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pneumatic system automatically expands the liner to the correct size and shape within the donning device, eliminating the need for manual stretching or manipulation. This pneumatic assistance significantly reduces the physical effort and skill required to apply the liner, making it easier for users with sensitive residuums.
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 device enables pain-free and effortless application and removal of prosthetic liners by eliminating frictional shearing and shifting, making it suitable for elderly and sensitive users.
Implementation Method 1
a removable vacuum pump for drawing air through the valve to create a vacuum within the receiving member
Implementation Method 2
The end cap can further carry a sealing member around its periphery for creating an airtight seal between the end cap and the receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method to aid in the donning and doffing of prosthetic liners. A vacuum is created between the device and the prosthetic liner in order to expand the prosthetic liner. The device and the liner can then be placed in position on a residual limb and the vacuum released to aid in donning the liner. To doff a liner, the device is placed in position over a residual limb carrying a prosthetic liner. A vacuum is created between the device and the liner to expand the liner in order to aid doffing.