Manufacture of a myoelectric prosthesis for transradial amputation

Abstract

Losing a part of a body is a traumatic situation for any human being. The hand allows us to grasp things, touch, and help us to communicate with others. Therefore, it is very important for an amputee to replace this essential part of the body. This study was motivated for giving a better life to a person with this disability. A 45-year-old man was the patient for who was designed a hand-held myoelectric prosthesis for a transradial amputation and it has focused on generating the processes required for the construction of a first. The design process was divided into two subsystems: mechanical and control. A novel manufacturing process is proposed to make a thin cover for the forearm. Freudestein equations was used to simulate the movement of the fingers by means of mechanical linkages. This study sought not only to improve the life of patient but to apply the engineering knowledge for solving problems in biomechanics area and give an idea for more autonomous prostheses.