AssetID: 53130675
Headline: RAW VIDEO: 'Lunet' 3D Printed Prosthesis Provides Hope For Those Who've Lost Fingers
Caption: A groundbreaking, user-friendly 3D-printable finger prosthesis could give new hope to those who have lost their digits but cannot afford expensive technological interventions. Developed by a recent graduate of the University of Houston, the Lunet could provide a cost-effective means for restoring finger functionality to amputees. David Edquilang, the Lunet’s designer, has eschewed the use of metal fasteners, adhesives, or specialised tools for assembly - and has made the design freely available on the internet. The inventor, who completed his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design last year, says: "Not every brilliant idea needs to be transformed into a business venture. Sometimes, the best ideas simply need to be shared. Medical insurance often does not cover the cost of finger prostheses, as they are considered less essential compared to arm or leg prosthetics. By offering Lunet online for free, we aim to reach the largest number of people in need." Edquilang's mentor at the University of Houston, Associate Professor Jeff Feng, who co-directs the institution's Industrial Design program, discovered the potential of Lunet through a collaboration with Harris Health System. They encountered a patient who had lost her fingers due to frostbite. Edquilang's prior work on upper limb prostheses, in partnership with fellow student Niell Gorman and under Professor Feng's guidance, inspired the creation of prosthetic fingers. These fingers restored mobility to the patient, enabling her to grasp objects once more. Edquilang's determination to refine his creation led to a two-week intensive effort, during which he designed and tested a remarkable 60 prototypes under Professor Feng's guidance. The final design emerged as more robust, easier to configure and assemble, and boasting enhanced functionality. His "eureka" moment occurred when a prototype deliberately broke, exposing a structural weak point at the distal knuckle, the joint that connects the bones at the fingertips. Edquilang ingeniously introduced a linkage to replace the previously rigid distal knuckle, giving birth to the award-winning version of Lunet - which has been honoured with the 2023 Red Dot: Luminary prize. Edquilang remarked, "Exceptional results are born from dedication. Extraordinary results emerge from experimentation. Incredible results arise from a blend of both." Lunet also secured a 2023 Red Dot: Best of the Best award, two 2023 DNA Paris Design Awards in the Medical and Scientifics category and the Design for People category, the Gold award at the 2023 Spark Design Award, and was named a finalist for the 2023 IDEA. Additionally, it is a U.S. National Runner Up for the 2023 James Dyson Award, and it continues to compete in the international round of the Dyson award competition. Lunet is constructed from two commonly used 3D-printed plastics: polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane. Each finger consists of four parts connected by plastic pins. Edquilang's design is rooted in arcs and circular orbits, forming the basis for the finger mechanism's motion. The geometric underpinnings of the design led to the concept that the prosthesis orbits around the user's joints, much like a moon, hence its name, "Lunet." Another distinguishing feature of Lunet is its exceptional durability; unlike other finger prosthetics, it is less intricate and comprises fewer components. Edquilang explained, "Complex mechanical designs tend to be less resilient. The more components, the greater the potential points of failure. Prosthetic fingers must be made robust and sturdy to withstand everyday use, yet the design should remain straightforward. This challenge was a significant aspect of creating Lunet."
Keywords: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON,prosthesis,technology,amputation,fingers,disability,tech,photo,video,feature
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