Tidal
A Water Sport Prosthetic
Timeline: 4 weeksThe goal of Tidal is to provide a prosthetic for amputees who are looking for an affordable, maintainable, and comfortable option.
Staying active is especially important for those who have lost a limb in order to avoid additional health problems. For many amputees staying active is a struggle because standard prosthetics are not meant for physical activity.
People.
Around 1.9 million people are living with limb loss in the United States, according to the Amputee Coalition.
~Sabri Ben-Achour Bring Down the Cost of Bionic Arms
There are roughly 185,000 new lower-limb amputations yearly.
~Advanced Amputee Solutions
Product.
Prosthetics need to be replaced on average every 3-5 years.
~ABCNews The Cost of a New Limb Can Add up Over a Lifetime
If you get water into your prosthetic device, it can cause rust and damage to the working components and the resulting damage will most likely not be covered by your warranty.
~Next Step Bionics & Prosthetics
Cost.
Prosthetics can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000.
~ ABCNews The Cost of a New Limb Can Add up Over a Lifetime
For traditional prosthetics makers, individual components are one of the primary costs.
~Sabri Ben-Achour Bring Down the Cost of Bionic Arms
Jeremy
Lives by the coast
Goes to the beach with his family
Likes to stay active
Amputated past his knee
He is looking for a prosthetic that will allow him to enjoy the beach and surf safely and comfortably.
Playing with Function
Playing with Form
Tidal
I landed on a concept that had detachable, interchangeable components allowing for easy maintenance, reparability, and a new level of customization, making the leg a work of art as well as a useful tool.
Prototyping
This process helped me understand my concept on a more concrete level. The simplicity of assembly and disassembly is very important to the experience of the design. Prototyping helped me put myself in the place of the user and identify areas of improvement.
Movement That Is Fluid.
Slots throughout the leg allow for air and water to flow easily, making the limb breathable and reducing resistance in the water.
The hinge joint at the knee and ball-socket joint at the ankle allow for flexible, natural movement, while curved suspension gives extra weight support.
