METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING A DIGITAL PROFILE OF A RESIDUAL LIMB TO A PROSTHETIC SOCKET STRUT

摘要

Embodiments of the provided technology relate to methods, devices, and systems that drive a transfer of the digital profile of residual limb contours to a thermoplastic article such as a prosthetic socket strut. A method of reforming a thermoplastic article to assume a desired shape, such as a contour that replicates or is complementary to the contour of a body portion, may include heating a thermoplastic article to render the article malleable. The method may further include placing the thermoplastic article against a molding surface having a desired shape that replicates the portion of the body part. Next, the thermoplastic article may be pressed against the molding surface with a compliant molding press to reform at least a portion of the article into the desired shape. The reformed thermoplastic article may then be removed from the molding surface, the article retaining the desired shape after removal.

主权项

1. A thermal reforming apparatus, comprising:
a reconfigurable pin tool device, comprising:
a pin plate having multiple pin holes;multiple pins vertically and slidably aligned through the pin holes of the pin plate, such that the pins are arranged as a pin field, an upper surface of the pin field comprising a molding surface; anda pin movement resistance mechanism disposed below the pin plate, wherein the movement resistance mechanism is adjustable to vary a level of resistance to force applied to the pins such that the molding surface provides sufficient resistance to serve as a mold for a thermally malleable thermoplastic article pressed against it; and a molding rig coupled with the pin tool device, wherein the molding rig comprises:
a thermoplastic article holding assembly; anda compliant molding press arranged to press the thermoplastic article against the molding surface.