Vacuum pump systems for prosthetic limbs and methods of using the same
AssigneesThe United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Northwestern University
InventorsRyan J. Caldwell, Matthew J. Major
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Abstract
Pump systems for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb and methods of suspending a prosthetic device from a residual limb are disclosed. The pump systems include a mechanically activated pump having a first compression member coupled to a second compression member, a diaphragm disposed between the first and second compression members, and coupling elements that engage and couple together the first and second compression members. The mechanically activated pump may be connected with an electrically activated pump, forming a hybrid pump system to provide vacuum engagement between a prosthetic device and a residual limb.
Claims20
A mechanically activated pump for use in suspension of a prosthetic device from a residual limb comprising:
- a first compression member coupled to a second compression member positioned below the first compression member, wherein the second compression member comprises:
- a first one-way valve configured to engage an evacuation port in a socket of the prosthetic device, and
- a second one-way valve configured to exhaust air;
- and
- a diaphragm disposed between the first and second compression members, wherein the diaphragm and the second compression member cooperate to define a void space therebetween,
- wherein the first and second compression members and the diaphragm are coupled together to permit movement relative to each other so that movement of the first and second compression members toward each other compresses the diaphragm to evacuate air from the void space between the diaphragm and the second compression member.
A hybrid pump system comprising:
- a mechanically activated pump comprising:
- a first compression member coupled to a second compression member positioned below the first compression member, wherein the second compression member comprises:
- a first one-way valve configured to engage an evacuation port in a socket of the prosthetic device, and
- a second one-way valve configured to exhaust air;
- a diaphragm disposed between the first and second compression members, wherein the diaphragm and the second compression member cooperate to define a void space therebetween,
- wherein the first and second compression members and the diaphragm are coupled together to permit movement relative to each other so that movement of the first and second compression members toward each other compresses the diaphragm to evacuate air from the void space between the diaphragm and the second compression member;
- a microcontroller;
- a motorized pump;
- a pressure sensor;
- and
- a battery,
- wherein each of the motorized pump, the pressure sensor, and the battery are in communication with the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is configured to control operation of the motorized pump.
A pump system comprising:
- a mechanical pump comprising:
- an upper compression member coupled to a lower compression member;
- a diaphragm disposed between the upper and lower compression members, wherein the diaphragm and the lower compression member cooperate to define a void space therebetween;
- and
- coupling elements that engage and couple together the upper and lower compression members, wherein the lower compression member comprises a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve,
- wherein the upper and lower compression members and the diaphragm are configured so that relative movement of the upper and lower compression members toward each other compresses the diaphragm to evacuate air from the void space between the diaphragm and the second compression member, and
- a prosthetic device coupled to the mechanical pump,
- wherein the mechanical pump is configured to provide a vacuum between the prosthetic device and a residual limb.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.