La Petite Jampe Shannon Brown; Collins & Zokaites / 3D Tools – ART 218 / Digital Culture / Fall 2013 Abstract The increasing capabilities and availability of 3D scanning technology has allowed for greater access for more personalized and individual external medical devices. The field of prosthetic design is currently being transformed by this technology allowing for remote prosthetic fittings around the world. In this process of 3D scanning the existing limbs are also scanned to match the new prosthetic to the natural shape of the individual. In a field that has remained mainly utilitarian in its design there is a product opportunity gap in prosthetic design which addresses the in the user’s need to have dignity in disability and wear a device that reflected a part of their identity rather than the typical utilitarian prosthetic limb. Research Question How can I implement 3D scanning using the Kinect body scanner and modeling technology to add to my current work in my research lab designing and a prosthetic leg that would reflect the identity of the user? Precedents and Prior Research The model and double amputee Aimee Mullins has been an advocate for better prosthetic design and personalization for the past decade. The start up company Bespoke Innovations has started to revolutionize the market with their personalized prosthetic cases that bring a sense of dignity and individuality back to the amputee. I have spent two years in my research lab researching different composites and production techniques for increasing the comfort and flexibility of a prosthetic foot. Process I started out knowing I wanted to design a leg for a child, and looked to classic storybook illustrations to carve out of the prosthetic casing In order to get a model of a leg, I scanned my body with Kinect body scanner and stored and edited the mesh in Rhino In order to produce the product a lightweight polymer should be used to not increase the weight of the leg over the limitations that would allow for a natural gait. A metal detachable connection site should be used to connect the two pieces of the case. Results I settled on the illustration by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry from the children's story The Little Prince because in the story the way the prince looked at the world was through the lens of childhood in the way he looked past the purely functional forms to see creative possibilities which is just what the field of prosthetic design needs. Conclusion The introduction of 3d scanning technology to the medical device market allows for the opportunity to personalize medical devices in the field of prosthetics and beyond to allow users for a better self image and attitude about their disability. References 1.Desmond, Deirdre, and Malcolm MacLachlan. "American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists." Journal of Orthotics and Prosthetics 2002: Psychosocial Issues in the Field of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Web. 03 Dec Ephraim, Patti. "People with Amputation Speak Out." The Limb Loss Research and Statistics Program (LLR&SP) (2010): n. pag. out.pdf. Amputee Coalition. Web. 3 Dec Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr. Dan Collins for all of his help and guidance during the Semester, Dr. La Belle for introducing me to the field of prosthetic device development. What is the market for prosthetic design? There are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the United States. Approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year and 1000 children are born with a limb difference 2 Among those living with their limb loss the main cause that accounts for 54% of the amputations for the amputation was from vascular disease (diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease). 45% of amputations due to trauma and less than 2% due to cancer. 1 In congenital limb loss Children account for the smallest population but live with the long term psychological effects of struggling with finding a path to independence, ability, opportunity and dignity in their limb difference but they like much of the prosthetic market lack a prosthetic design they would be proud to show off to their friends. Instead they commonly receive a utilitarian prosthetic that should be integrated into their personality development and growth but is too often a temporary solution with no consideration towards the aesthetics. What are the psychological benefits of personalizing a prosthetic? In picking a prosthetic the potential of the incorporation of inanimate objects into body image approaches the concept of embodiment ( giving expression of a physical expression to an abstract idea). The way in which the amputee experiences him-her self with the prosthetic effects their view of the prosthetic as the embodiment of their dignity and ability to overcome adversity or the disability that prohibits physical functions and societal roles.