The key objective is to design an upper limb prothesis for soldier amputees to resume daily activities and volleyball playing. By utilizing the iterative design process, core design criteria can be identified and taken into consideration when creating a new design.

Requirements such as high definition processing capability that allows quick responses and swift movements, durability for multiple and long-term use, power sustainability for the game of volleyball, along with user-friendly user interface and rehabilitation, are met in creating the design. The prosthetic innovation will be feasible with a titanium main frame with a 3D-printed socket fitted to the individual’s limb, and a multi-channel detection systems and microprocessor for signal collection and processor. By implanting these parts which are powered by a lithium ion phosphate battery, electrical signals can be read and used to drive the motion of the prosthetic hand to play volleyball.

Not only does this design fulfills the overarching feasibility goal of allowing transhumeral amputees to resume volleyball playing, but when compared to current models, it will respond more quickly, reliably, and precisely to the fast-paced movements of volleyball due to the implantation of multi-channel detection systems. Additionally, the combination of a titanium mainframe and a lithium ion phosphate battery allows the design to be more durable and long-lasting in a volleyball game compared to existing solutions.

In sum, a newly, innovative upper-limb prosthesis can be produced to meet the demands and resolve issues found in current prosthetic models for transhumeral amputees to return to volleyball.

Credit: Sky Sze