www.3ders.org

Oct. 31, 2014 | By Alec

We already knew that 3D printing technology was particularly suitable for developing wonderful, functional and cool prosthetics. Many of you will have heard of the wonderful work of the E-NABLE community, who 3D print custom-made and cool prosthetics for needy children all of the world.

However, virtually all 3D printed prosthetics focus on hands and arms. While absolutely vital, we rarely come across leg prosthetics. Of course, this could have something to do with the complicating factors that leg prosthetics bring to the table, like balance, strength and practical functionality. And yet there is a huge need for it – in the U.S. alone, there are approximately 1.8 million people living without a leg.

But all that makes the Elle prosthetic just even more impressive. Elle is a prosthetic leg and swimwear that has been cleverly designed to maximize the amputee's swimming experience. It has been developed by Della Tosin, an Indonesian born, LA-based product designer with a degree from the Art Center College of Design.

This prosthetic is aiming for the top: 'The design aims at balancing, maximizing energy return from launch off and flip-turns, and supporting the body through the latest technology. The wearable suit will assist single-leg amputees to compete with regular swimmers.'

Sounds good right? And as you've probably noticed it also looks apart. There's a reason why the Elle is also competing in the 2014 innovation competition of the James Dyson Foundation. Della Tosin explains that this prosthetic is multifunctional and aimed for people of any weight, size and disability:

Elle is a prosthetic device that is tailored to people of any weight and size; it allows people with physical disability to exercise longer without increased pain due to the buoyancy exerted by upward water pressure. Though currently there are rules to differentiate Paralympic and Olympic athletes, Elle will aid in regulating the playing field for amputees in hopes of competing with able bodied swimmers.

As she explained, Della Tosin got her inspiration out of her own love for swimming. 'Being a swimmer and a designer myself, I bring knowledge and empathy to what a swimmer wants and what a swimmer truly needs. Swimming improves cardiovascular, resistance, and causes body to release endorphins. Most importantly, water gravity eases amputee to exercise.'

All of these advantages are missed by amputees, who often can't swim in streamlined positions. 'Our human leg has a specific volume and density which attributes to our balance; the loss of a leg will result in imbalanced buoyancy due to unequal upward water pressure between left and right side of the body. In competitions, each participant is required to undergo three phases: launching off, swimming, and flip turning. Each phase requires a different energy release profile. Swimming requires rigorous physical exertion to maintain consistency. Elle ensures that amputees can maintain endurance by supporting their backs, hips, and thighs just like normal swimmers.'

She worked with 3 different people in developing her prosthesis: 'Kenneth, a 20+ years swimming instructor who has been teaching both amputee and able-bodied swimmer; Rose, a single-leg swimmer; and Vardan, a prosthetist. I obtained insights and challenges through the interviews and through observation of Rose swimming.'

After going through three prototyping phases, a successful and workable prosthetic was develop with which Rose could successfully swim. The final design brings a number of wonderful advantages to prosthetic users. Not only does the design closely mimic the shape of normal feet while swimming, it also comes with an adjustable air chamber that will allow users to control their own buoyancy and position in the water. It also comes with a special mechanism to help launch yourself through the water.

And, of course, it's customized to suit the amputee in question. The physical shape of the Elle depends on the amputee's other leg and the shape of the limb it replaces. Meanwhile, the movement of the flexed ankle is adjustable to the users strength, while the socket for the stump is custom-made to be a comfortable and secure fit.

And obviously, this wonderful and promising prosthetic is developed with 3D printing technology. This allows her to easily and affordably customize prosthetics. The Elle is 3D printed in elastene-nylon and polyurethane, materials that increase the users buoyancy. A water-proof carbon fiber composite is then laid on top of the designed, and baked to harden properly.

All in all, this prosthetic is a thoughtful, promising and inspiring creation. The Elle is still a prototype for now. Della Tosin is currently looking for the right manufacturers and sponsors, after which the product can finally go to market and help disabled people everywhere. Let's hope that happens as soon as possible.

Also check out this short clip on the Elle prosthetic:

Posted in 3D Printing Applications

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