Prosthetic Arm Force Reducer Team 1 – Halliday's ... - Ohio University

design would be adjusting the ring size and bolting the system to the forearm. Since our product
has a level of standardization that many others do not in the prosthetics industry, this makes our
product unique and will help maximize the users’ benefits. As an added option to increase the
appearance, a neoprene sleeve would be available, streamlining the look of the forearm. This
was not a concern for Tim because he works in the fields all day, but others may request it.
Overall, Tim will be able to improve the quality and ease of his workday. Tim’s current
prosthetic utilizes 1.75” of cable travel, while our design requires 2.125” of cable travel. If this
becomes a working issue for Tim, we suggest the BVR engineers attach another cable to the
outside of the forearm which will allow Tim to switch the mechanical advantage system on or
off.
The closing force measurements were based on data collected directly from Tim. He said that
the mechanical advantage system with the Otto Bock hook (at its highest setting) was equivalent
in closing force to his current hook using 11 rubber bands. He also said it was much easier to
operate our system especially given the high closing force.
A full prosthetic arm typically costs around $6,000. Our system would only cost an additional
9.6% of the full prosthetic arm’s cost. This is a small price to pay for the value added with
respect to increased comfort and ease of operation. Tim says that becoming accustomed to living
with a prosthetic was extremely difficult at first, but stated, “The body’s like a chameleon; it will
adapt to whatever circumstances.” Our goal is to help other people ease the transition period to
get used to using a prosthetic arm. Tim will be reaping the rewards of our mechanical advantage
system, and we hope many other people will have this same benefit.
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