Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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thesis
posted on 2023-09-26, 23:56 authored by Baynes, Stuart

The practice of fitting and making prosthetic limbs using current techniques leaves little room for innovative research and design. Though market leaders are consistently producing more advanced components, prosthetic technicians are using traditional techniques to fabricate prosthetic limbs. New material and design technologies could enable progressive solutions to historic barriers such as fabrication time and cost.  Increasing the amputee’s accessibility to, and enjoyment of exercise may help to advocate and improve their physical and mental health. Design research was used to develop a functional 3D printed swimming prosthesis for lower limb amputees with the use of 3D scanning, parametric software and Fused Deposition Modelling. Using digital technologies has the potential to provide a platform for cost effective specialty prosthetic limbs, enabling and enriching recreational sport for amputees.  Prototypes were developed with a unilateral trans-tibial amputee using an iterative process involving material testing and user testing. These prototypes allowed him to walk independently to the pool and produced positive effects on his swimming, including a recreated anthropometric symmetry. As advances in data collection and additive manufacturing continue to be made we will be able to more closely cater to the individual’s needs whilst challenging the status quo in prosthesis craft.

History

Copyright Date

2016-01-01

Date of Award

2016-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Degree Discipline

Design

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Design Innovation

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

4 EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Design

Advisors

Miller, Tim; Guy, Bernard