EC.722 Developing World Prosthetics

      

   
Developing World Prosthetics
   
Developing World Prosthetics addresses issues on the basics of human biomechanics, types of disabilities, and available technologies for physical rehabilitation. Topics will focus on prosthetic devices for upper and lower extremities, as well as both developed and developing world techniques for overcoming these disabilities. Multi-disciplinary student teams, with backgrounds in bio-engineering, mechanical engineering, material science and medicine, will work with a mentor to research, design, prototype, and test a viable solution. Projects focus on orthotic and prosthetic devices designs for the developing world, as specified by our partner organizations in India (Jaipur Foot Organization) and Guatemala (Range of Motion Project).
   

   
Course Information

   

   

       Instructors:
       
Ken Endo, David Sengeh     
   

   
 
       Semester Offered:
       Spring (Offered since 2008)
   

   

       Lecture Location:
       E34-230
              
   

   

       Lecture Times:
       R3-5
   

   

       Units (credit hours)
       2-2-5
   

   

       Class Size:
       20 students
   

  

       Grading:
       A/B/C/D/F

              
      
   

   
Recent Projects
2011Exo-KneeLow-cost transfemoral prosthesis with mechanism to lock the knee joint during the stance phase and release it during the swing phase
Pediatric PylonA user-modifiable and adjustable pylon for growing patients. Project started in 2010, with new designs for its mechanism this year.
2010Improved Vacuum Cast SystemA more robust and longer lasting vacuum cast system for the developing world
Lego Leg KneeAn affordable, high performance knee prosthesis for communities in the developing world
Paediatric PylonA user-modifiable and adjustable pylon for growing patients made of non-toxic plastics and biodegradable fibers
Shape&Roll Cosmetic CoverDurable, cosmetic shell for the prosthetic Shape&Roll foot
2009Lego LegAffordable transtibial prosthesis assemblable with a set of sheets of carbon fiber and aluminum
Prosthetic HandLow-cost transradial prosthesis with variable mechanical advantage for closing/opening fingers
Shape&Roll FootTranstibial prosthesis made of PP with an adjustable attachment
2008Exo KneeLow-cost transfemoral prosthesis with mechanism to lock the knee joint during the stance phase and release it during the swing phase
Ez KneeCaliper with a mechanism that enables a user to lock his knee by hand
Polio BraceCaliper with mechanism to lock and unlock the knee in the stance and swing phase, respectively