Objective:
Exploring and enhancing an existing mobilityproblem.
Concept:
Enhance the fluency of the motion of a prosthetic limb and make it more appealing and comfortable for the user.
Technology:
Motion of the joints:
as a result of advancement in computer technology, a lighter more efficient limb could
be created. There are three ways to create a functional knee mechanism: The leg is programmed to imitate the real motion with sensors to either lock or unlock the joint movement suiting positions like standing still or walking. This technology also uses motion and pressure senses, however it functions differently. The artificial limb imitates the natural one using sensors in its shoe pads and on the ankle. consequently the user has to start every motion with his/ her natural leg so that the other could follow. (these first two types have battery driven motors.) The third type focuses on sports like sprinting and jumping, these artificial limbs have a totally different look and do not try to imitate the natural form of a leg. They are stronger and allow people to have more strength than they usually do with a regular leg. The focus here is not on the joint, it is not motor powered.
I chose to work with the Intelligent Prostheses because they have a microprocessor to optimize the knee stiffness which is safer in motion on uneven grounds, furthermore has and automatic lock according to the position taken, these functions are basically for the knee joint. As for the ankle and the toes they include sensors that assess the motion and position of the leg as the amputee moves.
Materials:
Carbon Fiber Composites for the outer shell
• High Strength
• Light Weight
• Flexibility in Shaping
Carbon Fiber Springs for covering the knee joint
• Effective in storing and releasing energy ( running )
• Light in Weight
• High in Strength
Silicone Composites pads the socket
• Silicone Composites pads the bottom of the leg
• Soft by nature
• Allow room for the leg to expand ( swelling )
Spring loaded Shock absorber that allows dynamic foot response ( improves the biome chanical performance of the artificial limb )
