Design of a Myoelectric Transhumeral Prosthesis

Abstract

This paper describes a transhumeral prosthesis prototype intended for the purpose of experimentally investigating design features and control strategies for the control of transhumeral prostheses. This paper specifically focuses on the design and performance characterization of a powered wrist rotator and powered elbow joint, in addition to the embedded system that controls them. In addition to outlining design objectives associated with the wrist and elbow joints, this paper describes the design of both joints, and the embedded system that provides control of them and the arm system. Experimental data are presented that characterizes the performance characteristics of both joints, including data associated with electrical power consumption and audible noise. The arm prosthesis described here is intended to be used with a multigrasp hand prosthesis, previously published by the authors.