Assistive ToolElijah DavisNew Orleans, Louisiana
Body systems
- Muscular and Skeletal
Reason for assistive technology
Elijah was involved in a car accident in downtown New Orleans. The collision caused the loss of his leg below the knee, which is called a transtibial amputation. Elijah now finds it tough to do tasks that he once found easy, like walking to the mall or playing baseball with his friends. He needs an affordable and durable new leg so that he can resume these activities.
How will the AT connect/work with this body system(s)?
He still has his knee joint and an intact upper leg. The prosthetic would have to be attached and secured to Elijah’s leg below the knee. It must offer enough support to allow him to comfortably put his weight on it. The prosthetic will also need to be suitably strong and durable to help him balance as he walks.
Criteria
- Easy to operate.
- Prototype must be strong enough to support body weight.
- Engineer must be able to walk 10 paces on the prototype.
Constraints
- Time: Initial model must be built within 30/40 minutes.
- Must be no-tech or low-tech i.e., the prototype cannot involve a motor.
- First version of the prototype is limited to 7 different types of materials.
- Any additional materials to be “scavenged” from home or recycling.