Autodesk, San Rafael, California, has named Illini Prosthetic Technologies (IPT), Champaign, Illinois, a nonprofit organization, as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for August for the company’s use of Autodesk Inventor 3D mechanical design software in developing a more affordable and more easily fitted prosthetic arm for transradial amputees, particularly those living in developing nations.
IPT’s innovation uses an open socket technology that allows prostheses to be fitted onto patients “off the shelf” and in a matter of minutes, rather than the more traditional, lengthy and costly custom fabrication and fitting process. The device comes in a variety of sizes that are adjustable for length, diameter, and contour, thus ensuring the best fit for the largest possible range of transradial amputations.
By creating digital prototypes of its prosthetic arm with Autodesk Inventor 3D, IPT has been able to streamline its product design process and create working physical prototypes that incorporate and balance affordability, durability, and flexibility-all important factors for users in developing countries.
