1. Socket release/relock: An innovative mechanism to maintain residual limb volume
- Author
-
Katheryn J. Allyn, Joseph L. Garbini, Brian J. Hafner, Joan E. Sanders, Janna L. Friedly, Clement J Gurrey, Samuel P Bennett, Jake B. McLean, Horace Wang, and Brian G. Larsen
- Subjects
Computer science ,Amputation Stumps ,0206 medical engineering ,Biomedical Engineering ,Biophysics ,Volume (computing) ,Push-button ,Artificial Limbs ,02 engineering and technology ,Hand ,Prosthesis Design ,Sitting ,020601 biomedical engineering ,Amputation, Surgical ,body regions ,Mechanism (engineering) ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Prosthesis Fitting ,Humans ,Limb volume ,Volume loss ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Simulation ,Residual limb - Abstract
Management of socket fit is challenging for people using lower-limb prostheses because of residual limb volume fluctuation throughout the day. Releasing socket pressures during sitting (partial doffing) may help users increase their limb volume after they have undergone volume loss earlier in the day. The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a system to allow for quick and easy locking pin and socket panel release during sitting and relock upon standing. The system was to allow the partial doff tether length to be custom set for each user, accomplish release and relock in less than 2.0 s each, require only one hand, and require a finger push force comparable to a push button on a phone. A motor-driven release/relock system (240 g build weight) housed within the socket adjusts locking pin tether length, and an instrumented ratcheting dial adjusts socket panel position. Three participants with a trans-tibial amputation operated the system properly using one hand. For a partial doff, users preferred a tether length between 5 and 6 cm. All users executed release within 1.5 s and relock within 1.5 s.
- Published
- 2021