Fabricating the Ventilated Prosthetic Socket
Healthcare | Prosthetic | ProductDesign | Prototyping | Ventilation
Thesis project on prosthetics, Masters of Product Design, Indian Institute of Science.
Identified troubles with the amputee and explored the solution with the person while working with a team of doctors and institutes relevant to the special needs of such individuals.
The conventional sockets of prosthetics are uncomfortable to wear for long and causes friction and odor related issues which can cause other major health concerns. The thesis was to identify these issues and find suitable solutions with affordability in mind.
My Role
Designer, Researcher, Model Builder,
Targets
Lower limb amputees, Prosthetic care, Hospitals
Timeline
12 months
March, 2016 - April, 2017
Org
IISc
Bengaluru, India
Tools
Elements
SolidWorks, Ansys, UTM, Fabrication, Prototyping
User Research, Market Study, Conceptualization, Testing, Manufacturing`
The Challenge
Are the prosthetic sockets solving the problem or creating more?
The sockets used by the amputees although serve a purpose, they cause more problems with ventilation and discomfort, leading to severe conditions and shelving of the sockets. Although a tight fit is needed for the user's confidence, it affects its usability due to friction and suffocation.
The Insights
The socket needs to be easy to wear and remove with minimal resistance without compromising on other factors.
Donning & Doffing
Friction is a useful factor but causes rupture and leads to skin ailments and discomfort, discouragement to use.
Friction Factor
Due to lack of ventilation, users struggle to wear it for longer duration and suffocation.
Ventilation through dynamic movement
The Solution
Ventilated Prosthetic Socket
A first of its class prosthetic device which eliminates the problems of pressure accumulation, ventilation and odor related issues. Employs a deflecting mechanism to facilitate air movement using the body weight making it mechanical and affordable to all users.
The Impact
Financial
This new product costs 80% lesser than the on-par devices serving a similar purpose.
Social
Solves issues in the most affordable manner which were never acknowledged as issues that are solvable
Strategic
With consistent effort the innovation was awarded a patent in 2025 which helps the team to plan the future impact of such products.
Click below to understand my process
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