Variable-Geometry Socket for Lower-Limb Prostheses

SBIR第二阶段的奖励是进一步研究用于膝上和膝下截肢者假肢的可变几何凹槽。这个插座将提供方便和精确的调整插座的配合，因此应该大大增加舒适度。新截肢者肌肉萎缩带来的大体积变化将很容易适应。该系统由一个通用的聚合物套管、五个标准的充液定位气囊泵单元组成，这些单元可以调整套管的残端并改变套管的体积，以及一个通用的弹性体泡沫衬垫。这种设计保留了完全的吸口能力。可变几何套接系统在美国的市场估计为每年4000万美元，每年可节省超过1亿美元的假肢成本。

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.