A low-tech prosthetic to take you higher and farther Prosthetics are getting more and more high-tech. What about a low-tech solution for both rock climbing and hiking?
let’s talk about amputees He is one of over 1,000 soldiers returning home with a missing limb
in fact
of 500 amputees surveyed in a study:
57%
experience pain while wearing a prosthesis
70%
of all amputees surveyed do zero or one of the activites they did before the amputation
calf
often controls the robotic knee. otherwise usually a pylon
knee
many different kinds of knee. but they all help the calf free swing
of all amputations occur below the waist
30%
socket
the human interface. strapping into the socket means you’re safe and secure
“it was a big adjustment” Andrew Meyer, active above knee amputee
foot
helps establish a regular gait pattern. many different styles.
ankle
some lock and some are free swinging, depends on if they’re robitic
depression
4x
higher than the world average
amputees use 1.5 times effort per step compared to able bodied people
so what is being done to help? Outdoor magazine recently featured the newest method of rehab for returning soldiers:
adventure
but mark can’t join them
+
parts in a prosthetic:
meet dave
the leading extreme sport prosthetic won’t bend at the knee isn’t a complete solution is very heavy (but durable)
the world of prosthetics is a busy and confusing place. it’s time to dig in
O
researching for actionable insights A Rock Climbing Prosthesis Study:
I climbed the rockwall
Three above knee amputees climbed a rockwall using five different prosthetics. Biometric data was collected from all the climbs. Additionally, they subjectively rated the climbs.
interviews Interviewees had over 40 combined years of experience in prosthetic. They included clinicians and and an active above knee amputee
though close, the foot backwards won due to subjectivity
“Keep this thing as simple as possible”
Mike Lagerstrand - va prosthetist Starting the Climb is not an easy task, it’s mostly arms in the beginning since footholds are limited.
O2 used
Getting over ridges is very difficult, because the straight leg cannot bend, or apply force to assist the climber.
“There is a big need for this thing”
Patrick Taylor - head of va prosthetics
climb time
“You’d probably want a sleeve and suction working” Rock Rocco - prothetist
full: knee unlocked
full: knee unlocked
short: foot backward
short: foot forwards
no prosthetic
on some occasions it would have been nicer of the straight leg was shorter, so the climber has a wider range of motion
Near the top things can get tiring, because of the deadweight of the leg, combined with the stress on the muscles.
“An articulated knee would really be useful for me” Andrew Meyer - above knee amputee
Rapid Ideation Design Requirements modular If this is to be used for both hiking and climbing, it should have a hiking mode and a climbing mode. However, Modularity should affect weight as little as possible
durable The leg needs to be built out of standard prosthetic materials, but can incorporate extra reinforcement in certain areas. Often times the simpler it is the more durable it will be
lightweight No one wants to climb with any extra dead weight. Making this leg as light as possible is paramount to its success.
comfortable
The biggest reason amputees won’t wear a new prosthetic is simply because it isn’t comfortable. Extra pains will be taken to ensure this prosthetic is as comfortable as any.
time for validation Validation was conducted with three different prosthetists, as well as an active above knee amputee. The simplest, and lightest of the three solution was heavily favored. the heavyweight
the welterweight
the lightweight
The most intense of all the three, this concept features a quadruple suspension system, and a protective rollcage for a heavy duty shock.
This concept sits right in the middle of the spectrum. It utilizes a shock to absorb impact, but the suspension is not as extreme. This concept was consistently ignored during validation
The simplest and lightest of all three concepts this concept would have up to 9 inches of telescoping motion, and potentially include a free swinging knee.
hits
hits
hits
fabric pocket for tools
shock absorber
weight
good suspension
valve placement
simplicity
aesthetically a winner
socket bumper
rubber overmolded socket
large height change
misses
misses
misses
good suspension
too much mass
not as visually exciting
fabric pocket for tools
height diminished by shock
missing a failsafe
aesthetically a winner
offset shock absorber
no shock absorber
rubber overmolded socket
too complicated
further refinement The refinement process consisted of iterative 3d modeling based off of rough hand sculpted models. These models were then used to generate full scale plots in order to test human factors and scaling.
The Everest Leg: freedom without compromise Climb
Hike bumper prevents socket wear knee locks for climbing slimmer profile air valve works well with clothing knee swings freely for hiking. tool free adjustment
easy but safe double pushbutton control shortens leg by 6.75 inches
foot turns 180o for climbing. The sturdy steel climbing piece can take over 1200 pounds of force
strong titanium pillar
Tabi style foot allows for greater control on uneven terrain. no shoes necessary.
Details and auxiliary content So how does it work?
Hike with a freely swinging knee and a fully extended leg.
Using an allen wrench, tighten the sockets in the knee until straight.
pushing down on both buttons, step down in order to shorten the leg 6.75 in
some detail shots buttons
socket
foot