Dynamic support apparatus
AssigneeDEKA Products Limited Partnership
InventorsDavid E. Altobelli, N. Christopher Perry
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.
Claims20
A dynamic support apparatus for use with a prosthetic device comprising:
- a frame having a top surface;
- a dynamic interface, capable of changing its geometry, disposed on the top surface of the frame and having at least one actuator;
- a control system operably connected to the dynamic interface by at least one connector;
- and
- a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame.
A dynamic support apparatus for use with a prosthetic device, the dynamic support apparatus comprising:
- a frame having a top surface;
- a dynamic interface, capable of changing its geometry, disposed on the top surface of the frame and having a plurality of actuators that are bladders capable of changing geometry when filled with a gas or a liquid;
- an active control system operably connected to the dynamic interface by at least one connector through a manifold that controls the distribution of the gas or the liquid to the bladders;
- and
- a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame.
A method of fabricating a dynamic interface of a dynamic support apparatus comprising the steps of:
- scanning a contour of a residuum to define an outline of an interface between the frame and the residuum;
- flattening the outline to form a template;
- machining the template into a mold;
- pouring a material for the dynamic interface to half a desired final thickness of the dynamic interface to create a first interface layer;
- placing actuators and connectors on the first interface layer;
- pouring the material for the dynamic interface to the desired final thickness of the dynamic interface to create a second interface layer;
- and
- removing the resulting dynamic interface from the mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.