TPU bachelor’s degree student Eldar Magerramov is creating a functional prosthesis of two little finger phalanges. There are no alternatives to this development in Russia, it has been revealed as a result of a patent search. The prosthesis is mechanical without an electronic scheme. It gives a number of advantages in its application. At the moment, the development is at the stage of prototyping.
Eldar Magerramov is a student of the TPU School of Non-Destructive Testing. The functional prosthesis of little finger phalanges is his project within training in the major of Biotechnical Systems and Technologies. The research work is being conducted under the supervision of associate professor of the TPU Division for Electronic Engineering Fedor Simankin.
“The development of a finger prosthesis is a technically and technologically complicated task. First of all, due to the item’s tiniest sizes. There are difficulties with the distribution of a power supply unit and other design parts. I have got an idea of how to put a mechanical design together without the use of an electronic scheme. Such a prosthesis does not require a charge, it allows doing some actions, which are impossible with an electronic prosthesis, for instance, to wash dishes,”
explains bachelor’s degree student of the TPU School of Non-Destructive Testing Eldar Magerramov.
The prosthesis is made using 3D printing. The prototype will be made of plastic for a 3D printer. The young researcher is considering a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer as a material for a final product due to its features: it is light, flexible and rather strong. Rubber nozzles can solve the clutch problem.
The prosthesis consists of an axis with gears and two binding rings united with tubes. One of these two rings is included in the prosthesis design, meanwhile, the second ring is put on the next sound finger.
“I have borrowed the prosthesis’ design from nature. The design is based on the general mechanism of the first digit nerve: when we bend one finger, at the same time, the next one bends too. This mechanism I implemented using the gear. They are linked: one gear makes the other gear rotates around the axis and the second gear makes the third one rotates and then in chain order. Bending, a sound finger puts the mechanism in motion. Using a gear train, the prosthesis receives force compensation, becomes fully functional and replaces a lost finger,” explains Eldar Magerramov.
The technology allows varying the prosthesis’ size with the gear and gear numbers. It gives an opportunity to make an individual prosthesis for every patient. Moreover, the prostheses can be made of domestic materials and with the use of domestic equipment.
“The prosthesis is capable to substitute not only two phalanges but also one and the entire finger. Furthermore, the development can replace any finger except a thumb: it can be replaced with others, it possesses the other function,”
emphasizes the bachelor’s degree student.
The TPU student’s development has kindled the interest of a Moscow research and production company engaged in the problems of orthopaedic patient rehabilitation. This summer, Eldar Magerramov is undergoing an internship there.
“I always wanted to develop modern prostheses. I came from the Krasnoyarsk Krai to be enrolled at TPU because it is one of the best technical universities in Russia and here is the Biotechnical Systems and Technologies program. The major is quite popular. In the company where I am heading, I was told that they always require graduates, who studied this major. The classmates, who study the major related to the production of medical technology, also say that they are in demand in specific companies. TPU gives a solid theoretical and practical foundation. During my summer internship, I intend to deepen my knowledge in materials science,” comments Eldar Magerramov.
The next year, he is going to complete his bachelor’s degree. In further plans, there is a master’s degree course and a PhD program.
“I plan to be engaged in research in prosthesis implants. In all senses, this is a breathtaking, essential and promising area developing which there is a chance to make human life more comfortable and to increase life quality,” sums up Eldar Magerramov.