Problem Statement Title: Development of Active Prosthetic Ankle and Adaptive Equipment for Lower Limb Amputees to Enhance Bike Riding Experience

Description: Lower limb amputees often face challenges in participating in activities like bike riding due to the limitations of conventional prosthetic devices. This challenge focuses on developing an active prosthetic ankle along with adaptive equipment that enables lower limb amputees to have an enhanced bike riding experience, improving their mobility and quality of life.

Domain: Prosthetics, Assistive Technology, Mobility Enhancement, Healthcare

Solution Proposal:

Resources Needed:

  • Prosthetists
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Biomedical Engineers
  • Material Scientists

Timeframe:

  • Research and Planning: 2-3 months
  • Prototype Development: 6-9 months
  • Testing and Iteration: 4-6 months
  • Finalization and Production: 6-8 months

Technology/Equipment Needed:

  • Prosthetic Components (e.g., active ankle mechanism, adaptive bike attachments)
  • Manufacturing Equipment (3D printers, machining tools)
  • Testing and Measurement Tools

Team Size:

  • Prosthetists: 2-3 members
  • Mechanical Engineers: 2-3 members
  • Biomedical Engineers: 1-2 members
  • Material Scientists: 1-2 members

Scope:

  1. Research and Planning:

    • Understand the biomechanics of bike riding for lower limb amputees.
    • Identify challenges and limitations of current prosthetic devices for bike riding.

  2. Prototype Development:

    • Design and develop an active prosthetic ankle mechanism that mimics natural ankle movement.
    • Create adaptive equipment attachments for bike pedals and handles to accommodate the amputees' needs.

  3. Testing and Iteration:

    • Test the prototypes with lower limb amputees during controlled bike riding trials.
    • Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to improve comfort and performance.

  4. Finalization and Production:

    • Refine the design based on testing results and user feedback.
    • Develop a production-ready version of the active prosthetic ankle and adaptive equipment.

Learnings:

  • Deep understanding of biomechanics and human-device interaction.
  • Insights into the unique challenges faced by lower limb amputees during physical activities.

Strategy/Plan:

  1. Research and Planning: Study biomechanics and existing challenges.
  2. Prototype Development: Design active prosthetic ankle and adaptive attachments.
  3. Testing: Test prototypes with amputees during bike riding trials.
  4. Iteration: Gather feedback and make necessary improvements.
  5. Finalization: Refine design and develop production-ready version.