The SpringActive Odyssey Ruggedized Ankle Prosthesis, also known as the Ruggedized Odyssey Ankle (ROA), represents a significant advancement in prosthetic technology, especially designed to meet the needs of active individuals, including military service members. This prosthesis integrates several key aspects of industrial design:
Durability and Ruggedness: A key focus was to make the Odyssey more rugged, with a better range of motion, longer battery life, and reduced weight, making it suitable for active duty service members in the field. The prosthesis is waterproof and has been tested extensively for durability, including in submerged conditions.
The industrial design of the Ruggedized Odyssey Ankle (ROA) took into consideration its main selling points, which are its ruggedness and waterproofness. Therefore, the design creatively drew inspiration from whales in the ocean. This approach signifies how the product's durability and functionality in various environments, much like the adaptability of whales in diverse marine conditions, are central to its design philosophy. By mimicking aspects of marine life, particularly whales known for their resilience and ability to thrive in aquatic environments, the ROA's design embodies similar qualities, making it both robust and water-resistant, suitable for active and demanding usage scenarios.
This project chronicles the journey of bringing an innovative design concept to life, from the initial sketch to the final 3D printed prototype. It demonstrates the rigorous process of validating a structural principle through various stages of design and development.
Primarily validated the selection of soft materials and the disassembly and partitioning of the structure.
This focus was on confirming the appropriateness of the chosen soft materials for the project and examining how the structure can be broken down into components or sections for effective design and functionality.
Also, the range of motion was a key point of verification.
It emphasizes that an essential part of the validation process involved verifying the range of motion achievable with the design. This was particularly important in contexts where movement and flexibility are crucial, such as in ergonomic designs, robotics, or prosthetics. Ensuring that the range of motion meets the necessary standards is vital for the functionality and user experience of the final product.
The concept of designing prosthetic feet with consistent structures for both the left and right foot plays a significant role in reducing part counts, facilitating cost control, and enhancing manufacturability. This approach can streamline the production process and potentially lower manufacturing costs, making the prosthetics more accessible. Additionally, a standardized design approach can simplify the fitting process for amputees, as it reduces the complexity associated with customized or side-specific components. It's a strategy that aligns with the broader goals of making prosthetic technology more efficient and affordable while maintaining high functionality and user comfort.
