Navy SEAL Prosthetic Hand

<p>Prosthetic development recently has focused mainly on myoelectrically controlled electric hands despite a majority of upper extremity amputees actively choosing body powered devices. Myoelectric hands utilize a small electric pulse generated in muscles when flexing as a signal to the hand to close. Finger flexion in these devices is controlled by electromechanical servos, requiring no strength input from the user. Body powered devices use a cable attached to a shoulder harness which causes mechanical closure of the device via tension placed on a control cable by a shoulder shrug motion or arm extension. Outfitting of active duty service personnel has recently tended to follow the electronic hands which have fragile electronics, have a poor response to user input, and are not fit for harsh outdoor environments. This report will detail the current development of a re-design of a custom left hand prosthesis for an active duty Navy SEAL and the transition from electronic controls to full body power function.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Biomedical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical and General Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Augustus, Devon Patrick

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lily Laiho

• Prosthetic Hand
• Body Powered Hand
• Outdoor Prosthetic
• Locking Prosthetic
• Other Rehabilitation and Therapy

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2013.145

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-2076