Nudge Control Switch for Upper Extremity Prosthesis

Abstract

Prostheses are devices, either external or implanted, that substitute for or supplement a missing or defective part of the body. The UMOPC is a patient care center tasked with the evaluation of patients, as well as the design, fabrication, fitting, and delivery of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This project involves the design and validation of a nudge control switch for patients to self-operate the elbow locking system of a trans-humeral prosthesis, which is designed for people with an arm amputated above the elbow. The nudge control is available in electronic and mechanical versions.