AN ELECTROMECHANICAL QUICK-CONNECT MECHANISM FOR MYOELECTRIC PROSTHESES USING SILICONE SLEEVES

Abstract

A unique children’s upper-limb prosthesis prototype with an improved suspension and electronic interconnect has been developed. Silicone liners provide effective suspension for prostheses. However, they have been problematic for the upper extremity myoelectric application. Recently, we fit a child using a silicone liner and hardwired, remote electrodes. During this fitting, a number of challenges were encountered, including wire breakage, difficulty of electrode and wire attachment, and difficulty donning/doffing the prosthesis due to mechanical hindrance from the wires and the modifications made to accommodate them. Consequently, we developed an electromechanical quick-connect attachment. It enables the user to easily connect/disconnect the prosthetic shell and hand system to/from the liner, yet still provides for the mechanical suspension/connection between liner and prosthesis and provides for the electrical connection of sensor electrodes with control electronics. For adults and children with upper-extremity limb loss, this development makes the use of silicone sleeve systems more practical.