Design of a 3D printed, breathable, volume adjustable, prosthetic socket for transradial amputees in low-income countries

Master thesis (2020)

Authors

H.P.A. Jansen Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

D.H. Plettenburg Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
F.C.T. van der Helm Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 2)
Jie Zhou University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2020 Hilde Jansen
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Published Date

11-09-2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Prostheses are challenging to obtain in low-income countries due to a lack of experts, remote locations, unfortunate production circumstances and an inadequate amount of research. A 3D printed WILMER open fitting for transradial amputees has been developed, which can solve this problem. It is entirely 3D printed and connects the prosthesis to the residual limb. However, the current design is not breathable nor volume adjustable. This is a significant obstacle since the residual limb perspires and dilates/diminishes during the day.
Therefore, the aim of this paper is to design a breathable, volume adjustable, parametric, 3D printed socket for transradial amputees in low-income countries.
This new design consists of straps connected with hinges which improve the range of motion. The material used for the socket is TPU 95A. The straps are perforated to improve the breathability of the socket. Furthermore, a clickable spacer, which is strong enough to withstand a force of 200 N, is attached to make the socket volume adjustable. The complete socket is also subjected to strength tests which resulted in a maximum manageable force of 100 N, attached to the prosthetic hand. However, the socket has not been evaluated by patients, which means that real-life wearing conditions are not achieved. Therefore, it would be a recommendation for future research to examine the socket on patients. Overall, this study provides the design of an affordable, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, durable, parametric socket for amputees in low-income countries.