Variable-Geometry Socket for Lower-Limb Prostheses

这项SBIR第二阶段奖是为了表彰对用于膝上和膝下截肢者假体的可变几何插座的进一步研究。这种插座可以方便而精确地调整插座的配合，因此应该会大大增加舒适性。新截肢者肌肉萎缩引起的大体积变化将很容易适应。该系统由通用聚合物插座外壳、五个标准充液定位囊式泵单元和通用弹性泡沫衬垫组成，这些组件可将残端对准插座并改变其体积。这种设计保留了完整的吸力插座能力。可变几何插座系统在美国的市场估计为4000万美元/年，假体成本节省潜力超过1亿美元/年。

This SBIR Phase II award is for further research on a variable- geometry socket for above-knee and below-knee amputee prostheses. This socket will provide for easy and precise adjustment of the fit of the socket and therefore should greatly increase comfort. Large volume changes from muscular atrophy of the new amputee will be easily accommodated. The system is comprised of a generic polymer-socket shell, five standard liquid-filled positioning bladder-pump units that align the stump in and vary the volume of the socket, and a generic elastomer-foam liner. Full suction-socket capability is retained with this design. The variable geometry socket system has an estimated market in the USA of $40 M/year with a prosthetics cost saving potential of over $100 M/year.