Prosthetic limbs can cost over $10,000. As a result, it is estimated that between 3 million to 11 million amputees need a prostheses, many of them living in developing countries without access to the even basic prosthetic technology. The Customizable Prosthetic Leg could solve this problem. Exact measurements of an amputee could be taken anywhere and then sent to a computer lab. Then the dimensions of the file can be changed to fit the measurements taken. The prosthesis can then be printed out on a 3-D printer and given to the amputee,resulting in a perfectly fitting prosthetic for a fraction of the cost, potentially less than $100.

The Customizable Prosthetic Leg is designed with functionality in mind. The toe pad and heel design allows the user to push off, resulting in a natural feeling and looking gait. The ability to push off also minimizes energy loss.

The Customizable Prosthetic Leg can be fitted for any size prosthesis, from a small child to a full grown adult.

I drew this in 123D Design.

Step 1: Make the Foot

Begin by making the side profile of the foot. Refer to pictures for dimensions. It should be 4 mm thick.

Extrude the profile 110 mm.

Make the top profile of the foot of the plane perpendicular to the plane the side profile was drawn on. Refer to pictures for dimensions.

Extrude the profile 25 mm.

Center the solids so that the side profile solid is completely in the top profile solid. Create an intersection of the two solids. This is the foot.

Please note that I used dimensions based on the foot size of the average man, dimensions can be changed to fit the amputee.

Step 2: Make the Socket and the Pipe

Draw the Socket and Pipe. Refer to the pictures for dimensions. Note that the pipe radius should not be 4 mm but 10 mm.

Revolve 360 degrees to form the socket (the piece the remainder of the limb goes into) and the pipe (the main support and central structure of the leg).

In order for a comfortable and effective prosthesis, it is important that the socket fits the amputee well, so the dimensions and shape of the socket could vary greatly depending on the amputee. The dimensions I used should only be used as a template. A basic gel sleeve will greatly improve the comfort of the socket and its ability to stay on. Also, I used a pipe height of 200 mm, but that should also be changed depending on the height of the amputation.

Step 3: Join the Pipe and the Foot

Join the Pipe and the Foot.

The Customizable Prosthetic Leg is now ready to be worn.

Just one Prosthetic Leg can make a difference to someone in need.