Week 3

During week three of class, sketches of possible designs were drawn up.  The three different designs can be seen by clicking on the Brainstorming tab above. Each design includes how it is meant to work.  However with each design there are constraints that need to be overcome.  Our main design is shown in Figure 1 and 2, an air ventilation system used in conjugation with a liner. Between the prosthetic and liner would be an layer that allows for air to circulate throughout and thus onto the skin that is in contact with the prosthetic directly. Several other ideas and designs have been created also. Figure 3 shows a liner that can draw the moisture and perspiration down into one collecting area. This collection area could then be emptied. Figure 4 is solely for lower extremities prostheses. A mechanical pump would be inserted to create air flow. The pump would be activated and thus air flow would occur by the natural forces of pressure created when weight is pushed down onto the prosthetic from walking.

Week 2

It has been decided that the main project will be to create a ventilation system that can easily be inserted into existing prosthetic devices and also easily be applicable between different types of prosthetic devices.  Another possible solution to the problem is a liner that can cover the area of the body that is being inserted into the prosthetic device. Many liners exist already, however they are usually made up of silicon gel. The silicon gel adds cushion to the user, however it causes much perspiration since the material cannot breathe and no air is circulating in the prosthetic. Other liners are of cotton-like material that also add comfort. These can became wet quickly as the sweat is absorbed, and then must be changed regularly.

Week 1

In week one of lab, group 04 of section 012 was formed.  Once the group was formed, the main topic for the design project was chosen: human assist devices.  After much brainstorming of devices needed in the medical field to create or improve upon, the group chose to pursue creating a porous material that would allow for breathable prosthetics and orthotics. This will allow for people wearing the devices to be more comfortable in every day wear, especially during the warmer months when perspiration occurs readily. It was realized that the contact area between the skin and prosthetic easily perspires and then easily becomes irritated. We hope to add substantial comfort to all prosthetic users with our final design.