Design, evaluation and
optimization of low-cost upper limb prostheses
Abstract:
Although upper
limb prosthetic technology has experienced significant advances in
recent decades, it remains inaccessible for a large portion of
potential users, even in developed countries, due to its high cost
and limited functionality. The use of 3D printing technologies has
revolutionized this field in recent years, facilitating the
customization of prostheses, reducing their cost, and extending
their use to users in developing countries, although still with
important functional limitations. This project addresses the
improvement of these designs with an approach based on three lines
based on the experience of the research team: 1) optimization of
simple designs based on the application of actuation synergies
investigated in previous projects of the group, 2) design of modular
and adaptable socket systems that simplify customization in the
attachment of the prosthesis to the stump, both for mechanical and
myoelectric actuation, 3) use of designs and technologies oriented
to manufacturing through low-cost 3D printing and that simplify
assembly. Actuation synergies allow the number of actuators to be
reduced to one or two, simplifying the design and control and
reducing the complexity of the device, without significant loss of
functionality. These synergies will be analysed in the project and
based on them, specific underactuation systems will be designed to
obtain a mechanically actuated arm prosthesis prototype and a
myoelectric prosthesis prototype, with a reduced number of
actuators. The modular socket systems that are intended to be
designed will make the adaptation of the socket to different stump
geometries more versatile and comfortable, reducing customization
time, the number of interactions with the user, and improving
comfort. Design and manufacturing aimed at low-cost 3D printing will
reduce costs and facilitate the export of designs, both nationally
and internationally, increasing universal accessibility. The project
developments will be evaluated in the laboratory with amputee or
congenital upper limb deficiency users, already collaborating with
the group in other projects, which will allow the user's voice to be
incorporated into the designs. To evaluate the designs, methods
developed in the group will be applied, such as the AHAP protocol,
already used by researchers around the world, or the Arm Prosthesis
Race tests of the international competition Cybathlon.
