Durability test system for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket
Inventors
Yalla, Sai V. • Kim, Sunjung • Rosenblatt, Noah J.
Assignees
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Publication Number
US-12279979-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-22
Expiration Date
2042-09-29
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a system for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket to test the durability of the prosthetic socket. The system includes a base and a load cell coupled to the base. The system further includes a first coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the load cell, and a second coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the first coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to a first end of the prosthetic socket, and the second coupling mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to a second end of the prosthetic socket. The system further includes a rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the rod is coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The system further includes a motor coupled to the second end of the rod, a support structure extending vertically from the base, and an actuator coupled to the support structure such that the actuator is positioned vertically above the second coupling mechanism. The system further includes a curved rail coupled to the actuator and positioned between the actuator and the second coupling mechanism. The curved rail is configured to contact the second coupling mechanism along an arc defined by the curved rail such that the second coupling mechanism moves along the arc when the motor moves the rod.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a system designed for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket to test its durability. The system includes a base, a load cell coupled to the base, and two coupling mechanisms that are vertically aligned. The first coupling mechanism is removably attached to one end of the prosthetic socket, while the second coupling mechanism is removably attached to the other end. A rod connects to the second coupling mechanism and is driven by a motor, enabling the application of cyclic motion.
A key aspect of the system is a support structure with an actuator positioned above the second coupling mechanism and a curved rail situated between the actuator and the coupling mechanism. The curved rail contacts the second coupling mechanism along an arc, allowing the prosthetic socket to move through a range of angles that simulate activities such as walking, jumping, or running when the rod is actuated by the motor. The system provides both radial and axial movement and accommodates expansion and contraction at either end.
The background identifies the problem of lacking effective tools for simulating real-life cyclic forces on 3D-printed prosthetic sockets in a laboratory setting. 3D-printed sockets offer rapid, affordable, and customizable manufacturing but raise concerns about their durability under daily use conditions. The disclosed system provides a means to quantify the durability and simulate the mechanical stresses experienced by prosthetic sockets, addressing a critical gap in rehabilitative device evaluation.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims: one covering the system for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket, and one covering the associated method for testing durability.
System for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket
The system includes: - A base and a load cell coupled to the base. - A first coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the load cell, removably coupled to a first end of the prosthetic socket. - A second coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the first coupling mechanism, removably coupled to a second end of the prosthetic socket. - A rod with a first end coupled to the second coupling mechanism and a motor coupled to the opposite end. - A support structure extending vertically from the base. - An actuator coupled to the support structure, positioned above the second coupling mechanism. - A curved rail coupled to the actuator and positioned between the actuator and the second coupling mechanism. The curved rail contacts the second coupling mechanism along an arc such that the mechanism moves along the arc when the motor moves the rod.
Method for testing durability of a prosthetic socket
The method includes: 1. Positioning a prosthetic socket into the previously described system. 2. Applying a compressive force to the prosthetic socket. 3. Activating the motor to generate a cyclic motion that pushes and pulls the rod, causing the second coupling mechanism to move along the arc of the curved rail for a number of cycles.
The inventive features protect both a specialized system for subjecting a prosthetic socket to controlled, repeatable cyclic loading with precise angular motion, and a method for performing durability testing using such a system.
Stated Advantages
Provides the ability to simulate real-life cyclic loading patterns such as walking, jumping, and running for testing prosthetic socket durability.
Allows testing of prosthetic sockets made from different materials, including evaluating 3D-printed sockets, to establish standards for their use.
Facilitates quick and controlled assessment of socket durability, helping to determine whether 3D printed sockets are suitable for daily use.
Documented Applications
Durability testing of prosthetic sockets, including those made via 3D printing, in a laboratory setting by simulating cyclic forces such as those experienced during walking, jumping, or running.
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