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Design of an open-source transfemoral, bypass socket
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D-printable bypass socket for leg prostheses, enabling able-bodied individuals to test prosthetic components. This innovation streamlines the development of transfemoral prosthetics, making it more time- and cost-efficient.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Developing lower limb prosthetics requires iterative testing of control algorithms and hardware.
- Able-bodied researchers often need to test prosthetic devices, but direct use is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a novel bypass socket.
- To enable able-bodied researchers to wear and evaluate leg prostheses.
- To facilitate a more time- and cost-efficient development process for transfemoral prosthetic components.
Main Methods:
- The bypass socket was designed for 3D printing using standard household tools.
- An open-socket design was incorporated to allow for electromyography (EMG) recordings.
- The design accommodates individuals with heights between 160-190 cm.
Main Results:
- A functional bypass socket was successfully designed and validated.
- The socket allows for EMG data acquisition during prosthesis use.
- The design is accessible and can be fabricated with common tools.
Conclusions:
- The bypass socket provides a practical solution for able-bodied researchers to test lower limb prostheses.
- This tool can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with developing transfemoral prosthetic components.
- Recommendations include using a safety harness for enhanced user safety.
