title: The prototype of a thermoregulatory system for measurement and control of temperature inside prosthetic socket.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Thermal related problems with prostheses are common complaints of amputee people. This article aims to introduce a thermoregulatory technique as a potential solution for those problems in prostheses wearers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A smart thermoregulatory system was designed, manufactured, and installed on a phantom model of a prosthetic socket. It captured temperature data from 16 sensors positioned at the interface between the phantom model and a silicone liner and used their average for comparison with a defined set temperature to select required heating or cooling functions for thermal equilibrium. A thin layer of Aluminum was used to transfer temperature between thermal pump and different sites around the phantom model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The feasibility of this thermoregulatory technique was confirmed by its ability to provide thermal equilibrium. Further investigations to improve the design of thermoregulatory system are necessary including temperature transfer element and power consumption based on thermal capacity and thermal inertia of the residual limb.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The smart thermoregulatory system by providing thermal equilibrium between two sides of a prosthetic silicone liner can control residual limb skin temperature and sweating. Consequently, it can improve quality of life in amputee people.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Kamiar_g@yahoo.com.|Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Kamiar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghoseiri
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Yong Ping
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Louis Lee Tat
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Hing
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Safari
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Aaron Kl
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000672:Amputation Stumps; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011474:Prosthesis Design
keywords: Amputee; artificial limbs; prosthetic design; skin temperature; sweating; thermoregulation