An associate professor at Florida State University has created a high-performing foam technology for a variety of uses, including a more comfortable prosthetic sock.
Changchun “Chad” Zeng, PhD, of Florida State University’s High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI), is currently working on a license agreement for the foam with Auxadyne LLC.
“We know what is not working with current products and technology and what it is going to take to make it better,” Zeng said in a press release. “For example, the socks that amputees currently use to attach prosthetic devices do not adjust to limb shape and volume, creating lots of problems. My invention solves those issues.”
Zeng’s foam is auxetic, which means it has the ability to become thicker — rather than thinner, as with conventional foam — when stretched. This behavior leads to a more comfortable and easily adjustable fit, according to the release.
The auxetic foam was created as part of a multiyear, multimillion dollar project with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address the weaknesses of current prosthetic socket systems.
“Auxadyne’s initial focus is going to be medical device bracing and pressure-relieving applications, as well as protective sports, military, law enforcement and first-responder equipment,” Joseph Condon, president of Auxadyne, said in the release. “As we market to these key industries, we will also be involved in a collaborative effort with HPMI to develop a next-generation prosthetic sock based on auxetic foam that will improve the quality of life of our amputees.”
Reference: www.fsu.edu.
Chad Zeng has created a unique foam that can be used in a variety of ways, including the creation of more comfortable prostheses.
Source: Florida State University
