Description:

Amputation is a life-changing process for patients. It alters the way of living while bringing down self-confidence. Although the current markets around prosthetics have developed, and specialists are doing their best for the redemption in patients' lifestyles, the fact that patients have to live with the disability does not change.

Whilst there are sockets tailored to each individual for fitted comfort, the current method of wearable application comes with huge flaws, whether it comes from patients' physical conditions or from the product itself. It is very prominent that the current form of vacuum suspension is widely used amongst many patients, but it is also clear that the feeling of discomfort comes with dependence from time to time. Technologically speaking, vacuum sealing has always been quite opposite to the feeling of comfort as the airtight cavity acts as an insulative medium, preventing any heat or cold to get out. It is possible that amputees might feel comfort with the perfect fit of their own socket, but it can also be said that because of this perfect fit, air cannot escape due to constant pressurizing.

Morph’X is a new prosthetic socket made of carbon-reinforced nylon 12 filament. It is designed to be a mass-produced and cost-effective alternative to current market sockets. The socket has adjustable modules with soft polyurethane padding with friction patterns for added comfort, which allows for better temperature control of the user’s limbs. The position of comfort can be adjusted to the user’s preference with the push of a button, and tension between the modules can be tightened and released based on their limb condition throughout use. This innovative design is a promising step towards providing amputees with a more comfortable and customizable prosthetic experience.

Most materials for fabricating this socket are sustainable as the plastic parts are fully reusable after processing, whilst the polyurethane can be ground into powder form for different applications. The titanium frame can be repurposed through processing through furnaces, and flax fibre composite can be biodegraded after the separation of a lamination. Thus presented with a highly sustainable outcome compared to carbon fibre laminated current market sockets, which are still seen as a costly process when recycling.

This 3D printed solution also opens up the possibility to design by users’ own preferences and shape of the limb through consumer-grade 3D printers, providing the faster delivery time of the components, faster part replacements, whilst connecting the amputee community with open-source collaboration.

Morph’X ensures the amputee community has a better prosthetic experience throughout their daily lives while strengthening the bond between their friends, family, and professionals for better community-driven support.