Quickly Changed Attachments Enable a Variety of Activities Using the Same Prosthetic Device
This prosthetic integrates different functional attachments that easily switch in and out of the device to customize it for various activities. Picture an amputee competing in an iron man or triathlon competition quickly changing modular knee components for each event, biking, swimming, and running. The WHO estimates that around 30 million people need a prosthetic or orthotic device. The prosthetics and orthotics market is projected to reach $13.2 billion by 2027. Prosthetic designs vary widely depending on the functionality they must support. Available prosthetics require physical adjustment at the joint, usually with a wrench and often by a professional, and joints typically do not function well for diverse physical activities. Therefore, active users might need multiple prostheses to accommodate different activities.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a customizable modular prosthetic that allows different prosthetic attachments to easily switch in and out and holds them together by a simple locking mechanism. This design will enable users to have multiple solutions in one prosthetic device to support a multitude of activities.
Application
Modular prosthetic that allows a user to exchange different attachments easily to suit various environments or physical activities
Advantages
- Structural frame incorporates diverse modular attachments, supporting a large variety of activities
- Simple locking mechanisms hold attachments in the prosthetic, allowing amputee to switch out modules as needed easily
- Can be mounted to an existing or new prosthetic part, eliminating the need for further customization and maximizing options
Technology
This modular prosthetic device employs a chassis with a joint portion, structural frame, and mounting portion. The structural frame accepts the different prosthetic attachments. Slots and tabs secure the different attachments to the structural frame, and the structural frame attaches to the joint portion by a locking mechanism. The joint portion can attach to existing prosthetic sockets or bone implants using a rotatable mounting plate. The mounting portion of the modular device accepts various removable prosthetic attachments and can improve knee, leg, foot, or upper arm prosthetics.
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