A novel socket design for upper-limb prosthesis

Abstract

Prosthetic socket is the only channel for load transfer between limb stump and prosthetic limb, so its design is most important in meeting the requirements of comfort and function. In order to improve comfort and functionality of the upper-limb prosthetic socket, this paper presents a novel design concept of the socket in which the areas and working time of compression can be alternated in needs. A physical model of prosthesis socket with four pressure-adjustable chambers driven by a vacuum pump was designed to form pressure units in the socket to simulate its function in changing compression loads.The effectiveness of the design was proved by experiments.