The AirCirc: design and development of a thermal management prototype device for below-knee prosthesis leg socket

Abstract

This study describes a newly developed prosthetic leg socket design for a below-knee amputation. Excessive heat and the resulted perspiration within a prosthetic socket were the most common causes for reporting a reduced quality of life for prosthetic users. The product namely AirCirc means air circulation and it has been designed by approach of medical device design process in providing the amputees to maintain the skin temperature inside the socket. This device has been designed to provide the amputees with comfort and ultimate breathable. In order to design the device, the small hole was made in prosthetic socket surface since it has a function as air circulation. Four types of proposed sockets namely P1, P2, P3 and P4 and one control socket were compared on a single patient to determine the best design of prosthetic socket. The result successfully reveals that by using holes can be maintain the temperature inside prosthetic socket. In addition to the eco-friendly material, the woven kenaf was used as material that provides good strength as compared to glass fibre and offer sustainable and biodegradable product yet provides unique and aesthetic surface as came from woven kenaf itself. The objective of this paper is to provide the airflow prosthetic socket design and optimize the use of natural fibre in prostheses field. Thus, with the use of the environmental friendly material, functionality device and heat removal capability make the device suitable for maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment for prosthesis.

Implications of Rehabilitation

• Newly developed prosthetic leg socket design for a below-knee amputation

• Device has been designed to provide the amputees with comfort and ultimate breathable

• Woven kenaf was used as material that provides good strength as compared to glass fibre for sustainable and biodegradable product

• Results show that by using holes can be maintain the temperature inside prosthetic socket

Keywords:

• Prosthetic leg socket
• medical device
• skin temperature
• air circulation
• eco-friendly product

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mr. Taib for his assistance in the fabrication of the prosthetic model, Endolite Asia Sdn. Bhd. for providing the machine and all patients who contributed on this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project was financially supported by the Ministry of Higher Education for providing Exploratory Research Grant Scheme (ERGS) – 5527184.