A below the knee prosthetic leg designed for water environments. It provides more stability and it is better secured on the amputee's body. Made with waterproof materials which cover and protect metal parts as well as the amputee's stump.
-Michael is a trans-tibial amputee.
-Michael works on boats.
-Michael had a prosthetic leg.
-Michael's prosthesis broke once when he was walking.
-Michael's prosthesis was painful.
-Michael's prosthesis rot and was therefore useless.
-Michael has to use crutches instead.
-Michael has no money to buy a new one.
-Michael can't walk
MEET MICHAEL
23.1%
45-64 years old
6%
under 18 years old
0.8%
65 or more
0.8%
65 or more
TARGET USER
47%
below the knee
31%
above the knee
12%
others
10%
elbow
10%
Out of 780 thousand amputees have a prosthetic in Mexico
COMMON PROBLEMS
Expensive: Not affordable for many
Vulnerable to Ocean life environments. Not stable
All joints need sealings and metal parts ideally would need to be covered
No emotional aesthetic connection
INSPIRATION
The beauty of Gothic Cathedrals is that they are tall, delicate, elegant made from delicate structures. Like a skeleton. Nonetheless, they are strong and can bear a lot of weight. If we look at certain coral structures, they are almost the same. Incredible, right?
In the city of Veracruz, Mexico, there is a coral reef that is known as "Catedrales" which means Cathedrals in Spanish.
Coincidence? I think not.
THE MISSION
The mission was to provide an innovative, comfortable and functional trans-tibial prosthesis for the ocean environment based on the concept of integrating the limb as a whole and not stopping at the knee.
01.
The socket has and integrated suction valve that adjusts to the amputee once he puts the residual limb in the socket
02.
The Gortex sleeve is integrated in the socket and it streches in order to fit properly and comfortably
03.
The sleeve is easily attached to the suit with a plastic zipper
04.
It is also waterproof which provides protection from corrosive agents and keeps the leg dry
