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Prosthetic Arm Design Optimization

This project focuses on the structural design and optimization of a passive prosthetic forearm, specifically the elbow-to-wrist segment, intended for everyday functional use. The goal is to evaluate and improve mechanical performance through material selection, geometry optimization, and finite element analysis (FEA), while maintaining a lightweight and manufacturable design.

Project Scope

In Scope

• Structural design of a passive prosthetic forearm (elbow-to-wrist)
• Basic mechanical interface for rigid, non-articulated hand attachment
• Material selection and comparative analysis
• Static and torsional load analysis using finite element analysis (FEA)
• Geometry optimization for strength-to-weight performance

Out of Scope

• Actuation systems, motors, or powered assistance
• Detailed prosthetic hand design (fingers, joints, grasp mechanisms)
• Socket fit, comfort modeling, or soft tissue interaction
• Control systems, sensors, or electronics
• Dynamic or impact load modeling

User Profile

• Average adult user (~150 lb body weight)
• Daily functional tasks such as carrying groceries, pushing doors, and stabilizing objects
• No high-impact, athletic, or extreme load use cases assumed

By constraining the scope to load-bearing geometry and mechanical performance, this project enables a focused investigation into structural efficiency without the added complexity of powered systems, articulation, or human–prosthetic interface modeling. Rapid prototyping and iterative refinement are used to validate design decisions and optimize performance for realistic daily-use scenarios.