Future Technology » Prosthetic Leg

Prosthetic Leg Design by Joanna Hawley

TheFuture — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:55:06 +0000

When you think of prosthetics, our mind most likely will gave us the impression of lack in humanity, grace, and style. This product has an image of an uncomfortable landing gear which might gives the wearer an unpleasant feeling of comfort. This Eames-inspired prosthetic leg by Joanna Hawley is surprisingly made of high quality materials which offers a stylish, and iconic balanced prosthetics both positively and negatively. Based on years of survey on the disabled community and supported by the research and design from several different color specialists and 3D laser professionals, this product has been invented. A product with a focus on the human body adaptability indeed.

Designer : Joanna Hawley

Tag Heuer Prosthetic Leg by Koo Ho Shin

TheFuture — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 10:24:31 +0000

The idea of new prosthetic started from people’s perception of prosthetic legs; both the amputees and “spectators: which is a sad reality but true”. Prosthetic has been developed based on the understanding of body anatomy and movement, but since it neglects the lifestyle, satisfaction, or personality of the amputee, this vital device for human activity still remains in a stage of “a landing gear”, or sometimes C3PO or Robo-cop.

The social acceptance is based on how much the prosthetic resembles human leg, but there hasn’t been any active movement to bring prosthetic leg from a utilitarian gear to a highly fashionable accessory that reflects the amputee’s taste, possibly a prosthetic that he/she want to show off, and don’t have to bear with people looking at them pathetically anymore.

The demand of prosthetic leg could go higher due to accidents, wars, and mostly, aggressive increase of type 2 Child diabetes, which is unfortunate but opens more possibilities to enable personalized mass manufacturing. Therefore, this prosthetic concept is designed around the 3D scanned data of the real person’s leg; Once the real leg is scanned, the data can be modified according to the condition of the limb, which makes the prosthetic “my leg”.Tag Heuer, co-brand company of this prosthetic design which has sporty, bold but elegant high-end products, has a long history of preciseness and accuracy, and has been a great sponsor for various sports activities. The design follows how we see a watch; usually hidden behind the sleeves but reveals and shines occasionally when he/she moves. This prosthetic Tag Heuer’s bold taste, but still hides the complex detail mechanism.

Designer : Koo Ho Shin

C-Leg, Leg Prosthesis from Otto Bock

TheFuture — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:36:11 +0000

Until recently prostheses could only be matched roughly to the wearer ? if the proportions and measurements seemed to fit, the aid was considered suitable for that person?s future life. Over the last couple of decades design has helped create an entirely new awareness, and modern prostheses are sophisticated high-tech products that facilitate both mobility and a self-determined life. Natural movements are imitated with the help of intelligent technology, movements that get very close to those of the human leg. However, since prostheses will always remain something artificial to their wearer, it is equally important from a holistic point of view to also address the aesthetic needs of people who have lost a limb.

The C-Leg is an innovative, completely microprocessor-controlled leg prosthesis system that helps people who have undergone transfemoral amputation to achieve a new degree of safety and dynamics. The new C-Leg has been upgraded and expanded with many innovative features. It combines both years of experience and the intelligent use of modern technologies with a clear design of elegant appearance. The C-Leg features a wireless remote control that lets users easily switch between different settings, e.g. for walking, bicycling or inline-skating, as well as make individual fine adjustments to the hydraulic system. No matter at what speed and on what ground the user is walking, the C-Leg reacts in real time to the gait circumstances, ensuring not only natural movements but also offering a high amount of mobility and independence with every step. With its aesthetic and clear language of form, the C-Leg contributes to the well being of its wearers ? thus allowing them to bear their disability with greater self-confidence.

Source : Otto Bock HealthCare