Cooling system and method for a prosthetic socket
Inventors
Myers, Ryan • LeRoy, Kristen • Cohen, Ian • Hirschman, Gordon B. • Hunt, Thane R. • Keough, Kevin E. • Luna, Carlos Martinez • Farrell, Todd R. • Johansson, Jennifer L. • LaBrecque, Brendan
Assignees
LIBERATING TECHNOLOGIES Inc • Vivonics Inc
Publication Number
US-12318326-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
2037-05-09
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Abstract
A prosthetic socket cooling system and method includes a thermally conductive heat spreader including a curved shaped portion configured to maximize contact with a residual limb of a user. A heat extraction subsystem is coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the thermally conductive heat spreader and is configured to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a prosthetic socket cooling system and method that includes a thermally conductive heat spreader with a curved shaped portion configured to maximize contact with a residual limb of a user. This heat spreader is made of a single layer solid sheet of thermally conductive material and is positioned away from the distal end of the residual limb. A heat extraction subsystem is coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the thermally conductive heat spreader to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket.
The heat extraction subsystem preferably includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), heat sink, fan, user interface, electronic control section with temperature sensors and accelerometers, and a power supply. The controller subsystem operates the TEC and fan based on inputs from the user interface, temperature sensors measuring skin temperature and other thermal parameters, and accelerometers measuring motion activity to adjust cooling efficiently and maintain a set temperature inside the socket.
The problem being solved is the elevated temperature and moisture trapping inside prosthetic sockets due to non-breathable and thermally insulating materials such as silicone liners and socks. Elevated temperatures lead to skin problems, discomfort, increased sweating and friction, and ultimately decreased usability of the prosthesis and reduced quality of life. Small temperature increases cause significant thermal discomfort and persist long after activity ceases. Thus, the invention aims to improve comfort and usability by actively maintaining desired temperatures inside the prosthetic socket.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains multiple independent claims covering both the prosthetic socket cooling system and the method of cooling the prosthetic socket. The main inventive features relate to the thermally conductive heat spreader design and the heat extraction subsystem integration and operation.
Thermally conductive heat spreader with curved shape
A single layer solid sheet thermally conductive heat spreader including a curved portion configured to maximize contact with the residual limb's outer circumference and placed away from the distal end.
Heat extraction subsystem coupled through prosthetic socket wall
A heat extraction subsystem coupled through a wall of the prosthetic socket and to the heat spreader, configured to maintain a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket.
Positioning of heat spreader and heat extraction subsystem
The thermally conductive heat spreader and the heat extraction subsystem may be positioned at mid-location or upper-location of the prosthetic socket.
Heat extraction components incorporating TEC, heat sink, and fan
Heat extraction subsystem comprises a thermal electric cooler (TEC) with predetermined shape and flat surface area, a heat sink coupled to the TEC, and a fan configured to urge air over the heat sink, including embodiments that direct air downward towards the foot and use conduits or flexible bellows.
Thermally conductive adapter and spacer for interface efficiency
The system includes a thermally conductive adapter with a curved surface matching the curved heat spreader and a flat surface matching the TEC, and optionally a thermally conductive spacer coupled between the adapter and TEC.
Electronic control system with sensors and user interface
The heat extraction subsystem includes a user interface, electronic section with controller subsystem, temperature sensors, accelerometers, and a power supply. The controller operates the TEC and fan based on signals from user interface, temperature sensors measuring skin, hot-side and cold-side TEC temperatures, ambient temperature, and accelerometers measuring motion activity.
Control methods adjusting TEC temperature to maintain desired socket temperature
The controller subsystem adjusts the TEC cooling temperature based on the measured or estimated skin temperature and predetermined or user-defined set point, incorporating ambient temperature and motion activity data, and may activate the TEC on and off in predetermined durations for temperature maintenance.
Multiple heat extraction subsystems for enhanced cooling
A system embodiment with a plurality of small heat extraction subsystems coupled through the prosthetic socket wall and to the thermally conductive heat spreader, each including TECs, heat sinks, and fans sized to maximize contact and conformability.
Methods for cooling prosthetic socket using heat spreader and heat extraction subsystems
Methods for placing and operating the curved thermally conductive heat spreader and heat extraction subsystem(s) through the socket wall, including positioning at mid or upper locations, coupling thermally conductive adapters, urging air downward, and controlling TEC and fan operation based on sensor data and user interface inputs to maintain desired temperature inside the socket.
The claims collectively cover various configurations and methods involving a curved thermally conductive heat spreader and heat extraction subsystems incorporating TECs, fans, and control systems to actively maintain user-selected temperatures within a prosthetic socket, thus addressing thermal comfort and residual limb health.
Stated Advantages
Effectively and efficiently reduces or eliminates elevated temperature problems in prosthetic sockets to improve user comfort.
Maintains a desired temperature inside the prosthetic socket tailored to individual user needs and environmental conditions.
Improves coefficient of performance (CoP) and reduces power consumption by maximizing heat spreader contact area and efficient heat transfer.
Provides a universal fit through curved heat spreaders and adaptable heat extraction subsystems that conform to the residual limb.
Incorporates user control and feedback via sensors and accelerometers for adaptive and optimized cooling during user activity.
Documented Applications
Use as a cooling system integrated within prosthetic sockets for residual limbs of amputees to reduce skin problems, perspiration, and thermal discomfort.
Application for both civilian and military amputees needing improved prosthetic socket comfort and usability in daily activities.
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