NO MORE PEG LEGS AND HOOKS BETTER PROSTHETIC DESIGN THROUGH ENGINEERING

CBS THIS MORNING : HELPING HAND Watch this video to understand why lost cost prosthetics are so important.

HISTORY OF PROSTHETICS The use of a prosthetics dates back to Greek and Roman times. A prosthetic toe was found on 3000 year old Egyptian mummy. Before the 1840s, few people survived amputation and prosthetics were made using simple materials like a harness and cable. Amputees from WWI and WWII increased the need for better prosthetics. Peg legs and hooks were not adequate. G

What is a Prosthetic? Definition: An artificial extension that replaces a missing body part. Used to replace body parts lost by injury, missing from birth, or to supplement a defective body part. Purpose and benefits: To restore function of lost limbs Help with movement in daily activities

WHAT DOES A BIOENGINEER CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING? Design considerations: Location- Are joints needed or is it simply cosmetic? Strength vs. weight- Are materials strong & light at same time? Attachment method- How will it attach to the body? Available materials – What will it be made out of? Cost- Is the cost reasonable so that patients can afford it?

CATEGORIES OF MODERN PROSTHETICS 1.Specialty 2. Functional Built just for running Built to closely mimic hand movements 3.Cosmetic Artificial eyes, ears, and legs are made to look like real ones but do not necessarily function.

PARTS OF A PROSTHESIS 1.Interface (socket): where prosthetic device meets remaining part of the limb and attaches by either:  A suction valve seals with the limb  Locking pin  Belt and harness 2.Components (pylon): working parts of the prosthesis 3.Foot/Hand 4.Cover: outside material so more lifelike

MAIN TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL LIMBS 1.Transradial: Replaces an arm from below the elbow (includes the wrist, hand and fingers) 2.Transhumeral: Replaces an arm from above the elbow (includes the elbow, wrist, hand and fingers) 3.Transtibial: Replaces the leg from below the knee (includes the ankle, foot and toes) 4.Transfemoral: Replaces the leg from above the knee (includes the knee, ankle, foot and toes)

MODERN MATERIALS Modern materials These make prostheses stronger, lighter and more realistic in appearance and use. Materials include:  Advanced plastics  Carbon fiber composites  Electronic components for control brain-controlled prosthetic limb

BRAINSTORM DESIGN IDEAS TASK: Your task is to design and build a low-cost, artificial hand for a child. The goal is to have the child use the hand to pick up simple objects that might be found at a lunch table. Examples include: Dixie cup, paper plate, plastic utensils, napkin, plastic water bottle, bottle cap. Design Constraints  Your hand must:  Be made of simple materials  pick up and hold an object Evaluation/Testing  Your hand will evaluated by your lab team and your peers.  You will have the opportunity to redesign and retest.