This project is aim towards developing a prosthetic arm that allows amputees to increase muscle strength and endurance. Muscle atrophy and bone deterioration are nearly inevitable when it comes to arm amputations due to the lack of use in the extremity. Typical prosthetic arms restrict the patient from lifting heavier items. They are mainly built with plastics and lighter metals, such as aluminum, in order to give the amputee a lighter more comfortable fit. The downside to these prosthetics is that it does not allow the patient to perform weight lifting exercises that build and strengthen muscles. Our goal is the develop a new prosthetic that allows the amputee to use interchangeable weights in order to work out areas of the amputated arm, such as the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back. By performing specific weight lifting exercises, the amputee can prevent excessive muscle loss and bone deterioration. We also hope that by keeping the amputated arm in better physical conditions, activities such as chores around the house or even certain sports will make life easier and more enjoyable for the patient.
Design Constraints:
There are many variables that must be considered when designing a working prosthetic arm for weightlifting. One of the major obstacles in designing a prosthetic arm for lifting heavy weights is the capability of the prosthetic to stay on the limb. We must figure out a sturdy yet comfortable way to attach the prosthetic tight enough to the limb to prevent it from sliding off. The second major obstacle this project presents is the ability to design the prosthetic arm with materials strong enough to hold the weights, while still being light enough so that the amputee can actually lift up the arm. We need to find a material that successfully balances strength and weight in order to make a more effective product.
Pre-existing Solutions:
There have already been models of prosthetics developed that enable amputees to weight train. The most common model, the Black Iron Master (BIM), is for the lower extremity of the arm and incorporates a clamp that is attached to the end of the prosthesis. The clamp allows patients to grip the weights. This design optimizes the amount of force and pressure applied to a prosthesis, while maintaining balance and stability. The BIM is not recommended for inexperienced weightlifters. Knowing this, a similar device was developed for those with less experience. The Black Iron Trainer (BIT) is lighter duty compared to the BIM. With this prosthesis there are more limitations as far as the type of exercises that can be performed. In both cases the stability of the clamp is unquestioned. The clamps must be manually set before and after each workout, and the clamp will not come apart otherwise.
Design Goal:
The goal of this design is to successfully develop a working prosthetic arm aimed towards building muscle mass and strength in the amputated extremity. The prosthetic's main function is to prevent muscle atrophy and bone deterioration, but we also hope that in turn it will help patients will other physical activities such as chores around the house. This new design differs from pre-existing solutions in multiple ways. The main difference is that our design includes a bar bell going through the end of the prosthetic. This bar bell allows patients to add weights on to the prosthetic freely. It also would allow the patient to go to any gym to use the weights and clamps provided. The second major difference between our design and pre-existing models is that our design will include an interchangeable piece. Unlike the Black Iron Master, our prosthetic will have a screw in clamp. This allows the patient to take off the clamp in order to perform exercises such as push-ups, which require a flat surface.
Project Deliverables
The goal of
the project is to incorporate products into a single prosthetic arm in order to
make weightlifting for amputees as convenient as possible. We will build a dumbbell
bar directly into the prosthetic along with two types of screw in attachments
at the end of the prosthetic. In order to maintain stability with the
prosthetic and keep it from moving we plan to use a polyurethane material that
will extend onto the upper arm, over the bicep. This should allow for minimal
movement of the prosthetic and it will optimize comfort. Padding will be adding
on the inside of the prosthetic which will also increase comfort levels. The
structure of the prosthetic will be important stability so that the force being
applied on it can be balanced throughout the prosthetic.
Project Schedule
Week 1: Discuss different designs to solve the problem we are being face with
Week 2: Decide which designs are realistic and can provide the best performance
Week 3: What materials will be used in the physical design that will allow for the mast comfort, while also providing a strong structure.
Week 4: Contact a prosthetic shop to set up an appointment that will provide a better understanding of how the prosthetic works.
Week 5: Discuss a possible way to acquire a mold from an individual with an amputated arm.
Week 6: The design, most suitable to our design goals will be selected.
Week 7: Return to the prosthetic shop to make the prosthetic, while being supervised by an employee.
Week 8: Finish any more work that needs to be done to make the prosthetic function correctly.
Week 9: Have a finished prosthetic and begin to work on final report and presentation.
Week 10: Do the presentation.
Project Schedule
Week 1: Discuss different designs to solve the problem we are being face with
Week 2: Decide which designs are realistic and can provide the best performance
Week 3: What materials will be used in the physical design that will allow for the mast comfort, while also providing a strong structure.
Week 4: Contact a prosthetic shop to set up an appointment that will provide a better understanding of how the prosthetic works.
Week 5: Discuss a possible way to acquire a mold from an individual with an amputated arm.
Week 6: The design, most suitable to our design goals will be selected.
Week 7: Return to the prosthetic shop to make the prosthetic, while being supervised by an employee.
Week 8: Finish any more work that needs to be done to make the prosthetic function correctly.
Week 9: Have a finished prosthetic and begin to work on final report and presentation.
Week 10: Do the presentation.
