An Optimization Method for an Active Multi-Unit Prosthetic Socket with Dynamic Adaptability in Multi-Task Scenarios.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• Prosthetic socket adaptability is crucial for performance, comfort, and safety.
• Traditional sockets exhibit poor pressure distribution, air permeability, and adaptability.
• Individual residual limb morphology presents challenges for socket design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an intelligent, physiologically adapted optimal design for active upper-limb prosthetic sockets.
• To enhance socket adaptability for multi-task scenarios.
• To improve prosthetic socket comfort and stability.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic force optimization algorithm for multi-contact units in prosthetic manipulation tasks.
• Biomechanical experiments to determine pain threshold distribution of forearm soft tissues.
• Evaluation of mechanical performance of socket structures under various task scenarios using comfort indices (peak/mean normal force, force distribution variance).

Main Results:

• The proposed active multi-unit socket design optimizes output force for stable suspension and minimal interface pressure.
• Biomechanical data informed the spatial layout of contact units based on pain thresholds.
• The double-layered eight-unit symmetric radial staggered configuration demonstrated a balance between comfort and stability.

Conclusions:

• The intelligent physiological adaptation-based design method offers an effective and scalable paradigm for adaptive prosthetic sockets.
• The optimized active multi-unit socket enhances user comfort and prosthetic stability across diverse tasks.
• This approach addresses limitations of traditional prosthetic sockets for improved long-term use.