Prosthetic leg and knee joint design and development

Abstract

Currently on the market, there is a significant gap on the field of prosthetic legs for children. That is why this report focuses on improving a prosthetic leg for through-knee amputated children from 4 to 10 years old, which should enable them to perform the daily activities. The scope of work includes an extended exploration about the field of study, a deep market research about existing components, the findings of current problems with prostheses, the translation of the problems into requirements and, eventually, the development of the solution proposed. The final result of this project is an opening idea which includes the design of a knee joint, socket and pylon. The advantages of the expounded design compared to other currently products are essentially the modularity, the adaptability of the leg to the patient, the increase of freedom of movements and, mainly, the utilisation of the space to include technology to have a more natural gate. The design is described by sketches, 3D models and a 3D printed prototype. Finally, in the project are also specified some future plans for further development and improvement.