Student: Jaylen Cangas, Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering, Loras College
Research Mentor: Dr. Kristen Thompson and Dr. Devayan Bir
Designing and Fabricating 3D-Printed Transtibial Prosthetic Covering
Hundreds of limb amputations occur in the United States every day. While their physical impact on the body is often discussed and researched, the physiological effects of an amputation can afflict anxiety and emotional stress among individuals. The focus of this research is to develop a product that advances the aesthetics of prosthesis and improves the quality of life for amputees. A group of engineering research students are assisting a local transtibial amputee in Dubuque, Iowa. Using the 3D computer aided design software, SolidWorks, and precise measurements of the leg and prosthetic, they are working to optimize a symmetrical structure of her opposite leg and manufacture a 3D-printed transtibial prosthetic cover that is both robust and visually appealing. The covering will significantly help the individual become more comfortable with her body while solving physical complications such as allowing free movement of the prosthetic underneath articles of clothing and protection from outside contaminates. The project strives to deliver a complex multi-disciplinary product deploying stable, high quality, and cost-effective structural innovation that will improve quality of life.