Self Cooling Lower-Limb Prosthetic

Project 6

Overview

Lower-limb prosthetic users often experience discomfort due to heat and perspiration buildup, this leads to skin irritation, poor fit, and reduced mobility for users. While prosthetic designs traditionally prioritize structural integrity and mobility, thermal regulation remains an overlooked challenge for engineers. This project addresses the issue by developing a prosthetic cooling system that integrates convective cooling using heat pipes with passive moisture management. The system aims to reduce skin temperature by 5°C compared to traditional systems, using embedded sensors for real time temperature monitoring and activating cooling only when necessary to optimize energy usage. By improving thermal regulation and reducing discomfort, this project aims to enhance mobility, prosthetic fit, and overall quality of life for lower-limb amputees.

 

Community Benefit

This project improves quality of life for lower-limb amputees by addressing a common but often overlooked issue of heat buildup in prosthetics. By developing an adaptive cooling system that reduces skin temperature and manages moisture, the project aims to enhance comfort, mobility, and prosthetic fit. The outcome will support greater independence and long-term health for prosthetic users in the community.

 

Team Members

 

Sponsored By

N/A