Community Prosthetic Fitting Initiative — Design Refinement Discussion
Purpose
This issue is opened to coordinate design refinement discussions among engineers, makers, and clinicians participating in a community-based prosthetic fitting initiative. The goal is to leverage open-source prosthetic designs — particularly the OpenBionics hand platform — for affordable, accessible fitting events in the greater Boston area.
Background
The OpenBionics initiative offers an affordable (< $200), lightweight (< 300g), anthropomorphic prosthetic hand using a novel selectively-lockable differential mechanism (whiffletree). It supports 144 different grasps with a single actuator, is parametrically parametric for patient personalization, and can be fabricated with off-the-shelf materials and 3D printing.
Key Discussion Areas
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Design Refinement Priorities
- Socket customization for diverse residual limb geometries
- Material selection for comfort, durability, and washability
- Electromechanical integration (EMG control, sensory feedback)
- Pediatric vs. adult sizing and adjustment mechanisms
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Volunteer & Community Coordination
- Virtual vs. in-person fitting sessions
- Training materials for volunteer fitters
- Data collection protocols for iterative design improvement
- Partnerships with local libraries, maker spaces, and health clinics
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Open-Source Collaboration
- Cross-project contributions with related repos (r-echeverri/Open-Source-Low-Cost-Myoelectric-Prosthetic-Arm, MelbourneUniHRL/X-Limb, AiPEX-Lab/3D-printed-Prosthetic-Design)
- Standardized file formats and naming conventions for CAD files
- Shared BOM (bill of materials) with vendor sourcing guides
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Clinical Validation Pathways
- Connecting with local prosthetics clinics and hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Floating Hospital for Children)
- FDA research-device pathway considerations
- Informed consent and data privacy for patient measurements
Volunteer Base
Our community volunteers are based in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, MA. We are seeking engineers, occupational therapists, prosthetists, and makers to join the design refinement effort.
Proposed Next Steps
- Schedule a community meeting venue (suggested: Cambridge Public Library or a community maker space near Kendall Square)
- Establish a shared documentation repo for fitting notes and design iterations
- Identify 2–3 priority design changes for the next build cycle
- Coordinate with existing clinical trials (see ClinicalTrials.gov prosthetic studies) for real-world feedback loops
References
Labels to consider: community, design-refinement, fitting, open-source, volunteers
Community Prosthetic Fitting Initiative — Design Refinement Discussion
Purpose
This issue is opened to coordinate design refinement discussions among engineers, makers, and clinicians participating in a community-based prosthetic fitting initiative. The goal is to leverage open-source prosthetic designs — particularly the OpenBionics hand platform — for affordable, accessible fitting events in the greater Boston area.
Background
The OpenBionics initiative offers an affordable (< $200), lightweight (< 300g), anthropomorphic prosthetic hand using a novel selectively-lockable differential mechanism (whiffletree). It supports 144 different grasps with a single actuator, is parametrically parametric for patient personalization, and can be fabricated with off-the-shelf materials and 3D printing.
Key Discussion Areas
Design Refinement Priorities
Volunteer & Community Coordination
Open-Source Collaboration
Clinical Validation Pathways
Volunteer Base
Our community volunteers are based in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, MA. We are seeking engineers, occupational therapists, prosthetists, and makers to join the design refinement effort.
Proposed Next Steps
References
Labels to consider:
community,design-refinement,fitting,open-source,volunteers