Cypher- A below-knee prothesis for street performing amputees who are in need of affordable high performance prothetic devices.

Year

2022

Duration

4 Months

OVERVIEW

Street performing amputees are in need of prosthetic devices. Amputees with loss of upper extremity could resume performing, whereas those with lower extremity amputation are limited with traditional prosthetic.

PROBLEM

Street performers’ earnings are extremely inconsistent, with an average of $1-200 per hour depending on locations and other factors. Obtaining a most basic prosthesis around $7,000 is considered the most they could afford. Yet, basic prosthesis comes with lack of protection and flexibility that most users struggled.

Affordability

Cypher limits the waste on replacing the entire prosthetics. Instead, existing socket, shin tube, and the foot are kept in addition to the new parts.
Cypher minimizes the existing parts that need to be replaced while ensuring users benefit from maximum functionality on Cypher.

Easy to Use

Cypher features a quick release/lock ankle that actuates instant ankle flexibility changes with the compression of engineered rubber spring.
Outer shell protects user from damaging prothetic device and is easily repaired without taking apart the entire prothesis with quick release fasteners.

Touch of Personality

Users can simply customize their shell with different color and graphics to their preferences and style.

DEVELOPMENT

Material Testing

From left to right

Cork

3D Printed TPU

Soft Wood

Aluminum Duct

Sink Drain Pipe

Pattern and density tested on 3D printed TPU as a simulation of real rubber.

Dynamic Ankle Flexibility

Structures

Reusing existing socket, shin tube, and foot of a traditional prosthetic to lower the cost, making it more affordable for street performer. The new addition includes upper adapter, lower adapter, metal frame, and an outer shell.