Universal Socket Prosthetic

thingiverse

Human: The Universal Socket Prosthetic takes the challenge of limb differences head-on from an entirely fresh perspective. We aim to redefine prosthetic design, empowering users to create a customized prosthetic system that adapts seamlessly over long periods of time. Rather than designing a one-size-fits-all arm, our socket system uses interchangeable custom attachments to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease and precision. At its core, the system consists of a mesh-sandwich interface between the residual limb and a hexagonal socket that securely accepts corresponding shafts on attachments. Users can easily resize the mesh to fit different arms, and the attachment system allows for effortless development of new components using basic CAD skills. This system is particularly well-suited for children: its affordability sets it apart from most prosthetics, which are complex and costly to produce yet require frequent replacement as kids grow. Additionally, its ease of creation and editing enables active use as kids grow, break things, and explore new activities with minimal supervision. Each component of the design is large, colorful, and requires minimal dexterity, making it accessible even for children under five. Our research and interviews with parents revealed that children don't care about precision engineering or skin-colored hands – they want something fun, easy to use, and inclusive. Based on these insights, our focus has shifted towards hobbies and sports, recognizing the importance of participation in activities that bring joy and a sense of belonging. Our prosthetic can attach to any object by adding a simple 3D-printed hexagon, from a baseball bat to a painter's palette. The specific functionalities enabled by this system are key to its value: while complex prosthetics often perform multiple tasks but excel at none, our modular design distributes high-level functions across the system, empowering users with a toolkit for effectively participating in various activities. While another company has explored similar approaches to prosthetic design, specializing in sports and musical attachments, their products are complex and expensive – barriers that our design aims to lower. By bringing high-performing prosthetics to a broader audience, we hope to unlock the full potential of accessible impact. We invite a diverse community to join us in continuing to build on this concept, empowering anyone with a limb difference to explore new hobbies with ease and flexibility.