Design of Mechanism and Preliminary Field Validation of Low-Cost Transfemoral Rotator for Use in the Developing World
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v05at07a035-detc2016-59913.pdf
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1.84 MB
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Checksum (MD5)
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Author(s)
Zhou, Michelle
Cavuto, Matthew L.
Chun, Matthew L.
Kelsall, Nora Clancy
Baranov, Karl
Durgin, Keriann E.
Arelekatti, Murthy
Winter, Amos G.
Date Issued
August 2016
Journal
Volume 5A: 40th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
Publisher
ASME International
Citation
Cavuto, Matthew L., Matthew Chun, Nora Kelsall, Karl Baranov, Keriann Durgin, Michelle Zhou, V. N. Murthy Arelekatti, and Amos G. Winter. “Design of Mechanism and Preliminary Field Validation of Low-Cost Transfemoral Rotator for Use in the Developing World.” Volume 5A: 40th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference (August 21, 2016).
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Copyright © 2016 by ASME. Transfemoral (above-knee) amputees face a unique and challenging set of restrictions to movement and function. Most notably, they are unable to medially rotate their lower-leg and subsequently cross their legs. The best and most common solution to this issue today is a transfemoral rotator, which allows medial rotation of the leg distal to the knee through a lockable turntable mechanism. However, currently available transfemoral rotators can cost thousands of dollars, and few equivalent technologies exist in the developing world. This paper, supported by the results of field studies and user testing, establishes a framework for the design of a low-cost and easily manufacturable transfemoral rotator for use in the developing world. Two prototypes are presented, each with a unique internal locking mechanism and form. A preliminary field study was conducted on six transfemoral amputees in India and qualitative user and prosthetist feedback was collected. Both prototypes successfully allowed all subjects to complete tasks such as crossing legs, putting on pants, and tying shoes while maintaining functionality of walking and standing. Future iterations of the mechanism will be guided by a combination of the most positively received features of the prototypes and general feedback suggestions from the users.
MIT Department
MIT-SUTD Collaboration
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2016-59913
