A.R.M is an affordable molding kit, created to equip rural areas with the ability and means to create functioning prosthetic devices, by using materials sourced locally rather than foreign.
ASSEMBLE WITH EASE
The assembly of all the parts of the devices is aimed at being constructed by anyone with basic tooling skills. The idea is to keep it as universal and simplistic as possible as not only would the prosthetists be able to assemble and disassemble the device but the user could also do so to make adjustments or replace parts.
Each unit will be supplied with a two-page guide on molding and assembling
DURABLE
The outer shells are designed to withstand severe weathering and abrasion in tropical climates.
NATURAL MATERIALS
All the outer materials that are manufactured on-site, are aimed at being 100% natural thereby eliminating production waste.
ACCESSIBLE SEPARATION
The removal and adjustability of the device can be navigated with a single hand. This was focused on giving the user the ability to maintain any replacements or adjustments.
SUSTAINABLE
The materials used and the system of manufacture is focused on being nearly a closed-loop sustainable process.
The research
The research
Concept 1
Attaching the loose Internals within the body of the arm (shell). This concept encapsulates all the internals within the arm and locks them in, using the primary housing as the container. Modularity and adjustability would not be streamlined.
Concept 2
Creating modular 'Plug-and-play' internal units that are capsuled In the arm. This concept would allow for the internals to be accessed in case of repairs or damage. The modular units would have clear signifiers that would direct a user to their placement.
Concept 3
Isolating the Sensor unit to an external component. This would result in a wireless connection between the chosen muscle and the mechanics in the arm. The downside to this would be the disconnect between a muscle group that is naturally connected to the movement of fingers.
The main objective of being able to create the device is the ability to manufacture the shells internally, on location, rather than depending on foreign materials and infrastructure.
The prototype here is made using Coir (Coconut) and Raw Latex from a rubber tree as a bonding agent and sealer.
