Prosthetic socket apparatus and systems

A system for securing a residual limb in a prosthetic socket of a prosthetic limb, the system comprising:

• a prosthetic sock to be worn over the residual limb of a patient, wherein the prosthetic sock comprises an inner layer and a foam layer which comprises an auxetic foam;
• and
• an electronics liner, which, when the prosthetic sock is worn, is located between the residual limb and the inner layer, wherein the electronics liner comprises
• (i) a phase change material which is encapsulated or is imbedded within the electronics liner and is configured to absorb heat from the residual limb by undergoing a solid-to-solid or solid-to-liquid phase change effective to maintain an inner surface of the electronics liner at a selected constant temperature that is within 10° F. of normal body temperature,
• (ii) one or more thermal electric coolers disposed on the inner surface of the electronics liner and configured to cool and regenerate the phase change material, wherein the one or more thermal electric coolers have a cold surface and a hot surface, and
• (iii) one or more low thermal impedance heat spreaders positioned to physically connect the cold surface of the one or more thermal electric coolers to the phase change material,
• wherein the prosthetic socket is configured to receive the residual limb with the prosthetic sock thereon, and
• wherein the prosthetic sock compensates for shape or volume changes in the residual limb by changing shape to maintain a secure fit between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket.

A system for managing a prosthetic limb worn by a patient, the system comprising:

• an electronics liner for disposition over a residual limb of the patient, wherein the electronics liner comprises
• (i) a phase change material which is encapsulated or is imbedded within the electronics liner and is configured to absorb heat from the residual limb by undergoing a solid-to-solid or solid-to-liquid phase change effective to maintain an inner surface of the electronics liner at a selected constant temperature that is within 10° F. of normal body temperature,
• (ii) one or more thermal electric coolers disposed on the inner surface of the electronics liner and configured to cool and regenerate the phase change material, wherein the one or more thermal electric coolers have a cold surface and a hot surface, and
• (iii) one or more low thermal impedance heat spreaders positioned to physically connect the cold surface of the one or more thermal electric coolers to the phase change material;
• a prosthetic sock, having a foam layer that comprises an auxetic foam, to be worn over the electronics liner and the residual limb, wherein the prosthetic sock is configured to change shape in a manner effective to maintain a secure fit of the residual limb in a prosthetic socket of the prosthetic limb in which the foam layer changes shape in response to a change in shape or volume of the residual limb;
• and
• the prosthetic socket for receiving the prosthetic sock, the electronics liner, and the residual limb.