Prosthetic device for monkey bars and gymnastic equipment
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Currently, there are upper limb prosthetic attachments that allow an amputee to perform
tumbling activities such as a cartwheel or a back handspring. There are also products that
allow amputees to swing on the monkey bars, or on gymnastics equipment. The major
issue is that there has yet to be a product capable of performing both tumbling and
swinging/hanging tasks. The objective of this project is to design and manufacture an
upper limb prosthetic device that would allow an amputee to perform both tasks. It’s very
inefficient for someone to have to remove their prosthesis and replace it with another one
whenever they want to change activities. The two current devices were designed by TRS
and they are the Shroom Tumbler and the Swinger TD. The Shroom Tumbler is the shape
of a mushroom, and can withstand up to 200lbs (890N). The Swinger TD is a hook
shaped device capable of withstanding 300lbs (1335N). The new prosthetic device will
need to combine the concepts of these two devices. The primary goal is to give the user
the ability to do gymnastics and play in a playground similarly to a normally limbed
child. The new design should have as many biomechanical similarities to a natural upper
limb as possible and must be the appropriate length to suit the user. The length of the
prosthetic attachment must be carefully designed to ensure it matches the anatomical
length of the user’s normal limb when swinging and when tumbling. Also, the choice of
material is very significant to ensure the appropriate weight, flexibility, and to maximize
the safety of the user and anyone near the user. Incorporating both devices into one will
require the hook section to either rotate or slide into position to change from tumbling to
swinging activities. The current design idea resembles the shape of the Swinger TD with
the Shroom located on the back of the hook section. The hook section will have a
rotational joint at its base that can rotate the hook downwards to bring the Shroom down
to the appropriate position.