ART STUDENT SETH ASTLE DESIGNS THE CADENCE CONCEPT PROSTHETIC LIMB AND BIKE PEDAL FOR AMPUTEE CYCLISTS, WINS U.S. JAMES DYSON AWARD

A concept by Art Center student Seth Astle wins the U.S. portion of the James Dyson Award.

A prosthetic limb and bike pedal that allows amputee cyclists to experience a full range of motion has been named as the U.S. winner of the James Dyson Award. Interestingly, for the second year in a row, the winning design is bike-related--last year's finalist was the Copenhagen Wheel.

 

Cadence is a concept by Art Center College of Design student Seth Astle, who wanted to focus on helping below-the-knee amputees. Since about 47% of amputees are below-the-knee amputees, he knew his solution would be able to help the largest potential audience possible. As he began his research, he learned that although many below-the-knee amputees are able to use custom limbs designed for particular sports, there were many shortcomings when it came to prosthetics for cycling.

Most protheses are extremely rigid around the ankle and foot, which is great for walking or when you want to stand up straight, but difficult when trying to bike. Biking requires a fluidity of movement, that push and pull of muscle strength, which helps you gain momentum while pedaling. To mimick that muscle power, Cadence uses an elastomeric band which can collect energy while riding. As the foot rotates around the pedal, the stored kinetic energy helps bring the foot and leg back up to the top. (See more visualizations of Astle's process here.)  

The Cadence concept also allows the rider to clip into the pedal, allowing for a more efficient ride. A split toe in the prothesis helps them see where to connect the foot to the clip. And the locking mechanism is made just for amputees, with a clip that's freed with a backwards motion rather than a pivot of the leg, which is dangerous for amputees. But perhaps most attractive to cyclists is that the prosthetic's form looks more like the high-tech equipment that they're using. The sleek shapes and bright colors are more akin to a shiny racing bike or an aerodynamic helmet.

Astle has already won a Gold IDEA award for his concept, which will also be featured in a display at the London 2012 Olympics. You can see the nine other U.S. finalists at the James Dyson Award site. The global winner will be announced on November 8, 2011.

COMMENTARY:  The Cadence concept prosthetic limb and bike pedal is beautifully designed and engineered specifically for the below-the-knee amputees.  I am happy for Seth Astle and winning the U.S. James Dyson Award.  He moves on to the global finals and I have a feeling he has a great shot.

Courtesy of an article dated September 14, 2011 appearing in Fast Company Design  

 

Comments

[Mwwcs Zeavu]

Hello.This article was really interesting, especially because I was looking for thoughts on this matter last Monday.

[Henry garcia]

...some great innovation, along with a wonderful story ! =) ...thanks for sharing ! =)

[Tommy]

Matt,

You ask a lot of questions which I cannot answer. Your best bet is to contact Seth Astle, the inventor of the Cadence Concept Prosthetic Limb. Here's his email address:

[email protected]

thanks for visiting my blog, and hope you will return regularly.

Tommy

[Matt]

Why not just rivot an SPD style cleat into an existing foot design with multiaxial rotation? Such as the Talux, Veriflex, BioQuest Perfect Stride II, C-Walk, Luxon Max, or DPII? Is it really such a good idea to re-invent the wheel when it already rolls? The cadence looks nice but what about limb lengths? How does it walk? Where is your alignment adjustment? Can they be mass produced efficiently? Do they allow for several suspension designs? Are they durable? Can you get L-codes for it? Who will pay for it? Who will buy a foot that costs more than the bike? Just saying...

[Tommy]

Seth, thank you for email and nice compliment. Will look into Bespoke Innovation. Tommy

[fly fishing tasmania]

Well I really like the concept of SETH ASTLE..it will really work..

[joanelectricscooter]

This is a wonderful story- once he gets tired- he could go to the electric bicycle. This was a very touching article.

[trout fishing in tasmania]

This is an appreciable work by Art Center College of Design student Seth Astle...You have got great skills.