Since 2010 Contur has been operating an R&D department responsible for the development of the lower leg prosthesis. In the years 2010-2013 the company realised a project co-financed by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) for the development of an active lower leg prosthesis. The result has helped broaden the knowledge and technology of active prostheses and identified further technological challenges faced by manufacturers of such solutions. The new technical solutions were applied in the developed technology. The active prosthesis is the result of many years of work.
The company's team has recently developed a new concept for further product development, the expected result of which is to be a hybrid lower leg prosthesis.
The project assumes the construction of a hybrid lower leg prosthesis operating in passive mode on flat terrain and in active mode on slopes and stairs, thanks to the use of an engine. The combination of these two functionalities will be possible by using an invention developed and submitted by the applicant in the form of a type of coupling. The invention will feature a transmission-clutch system that will enable coupling and decoupling of the drive mechanism depending on the type of terrain.
The project goal is a significantly improved product with the following characteristics:
1
The ability to operate in both passive and active modes, eliminating the operating constraints of each individual solution
2
Reduction of energy intensity in relation to an active prosthesis, due to the fact that for most of the time the prosthesis will be in passive mode.
3
Due to the reduction in energy intensity, it will be possible to use a lighter energy source, which will reduce the weight of the whole prosthesis.
4
In the event of a power or engine failure, the hybrid prosthesis will always be able to operate in passive mode, thus eliminating the risk of immobilisation for the user.
5
Due to the fact that the prosthesis will operate in passive mode for most of the time, the operational life of the full hybrid mode will be increased and the operational life in passive mode will be unlimited.
6
The possibility to climb stairs.
The hybrid lower leg prosthesis will offer a truly unique solution.
PROGRAM OPERACYJNY INTELIGENTNY ROZWÓJ 2014-2020
Tytuł projektu: Opracowanie hybrydowej protezy podudzia
Umowa o dofinasowanie: POIR.01.01.01-00-0244/18-00
