Espoir Concept Leg Prosthesis for Cambodian Landmine Victims
In times of war, countries and their people can suffer as the country is torn apart. Even when wars end, casualties can still happen years and decades later. This can happen especially so with landmines that are left in the ground and can still explode. Which is why there are many organizations around the world that work to remove these remnants of war. In Cambodia alone there are millions of active landmines still in the ground. As a result hundreds of people, many children, are injured or killed every year in Cambodia. Compounding the problem is a lack of quality medical services or prosthetics when limbs are lost. Product Design student Yoony Byun of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California has designed a concept to combat this problem. A low cost and durable leg prosthesis made of recycled tennis shoes called Espoir.
Available Materials
Since many developing countries do not have access to quality medical equipment, people utilize what they have available. Creating prosthetics that are made from different materials and objects. Espoir utilizes recycled tennis shoes combined with a few original parts.
Deconstruct to Construct
The gathering of parts for Espoir begins with deconstructing a tennis shoe. The bottom sole is removed and the heel part separated. A portion of the cloth and laces are removed. Original parts are an adjustable pylon and cup. The cloth and laces slip over the cup and this acts as the connection point to the body. At the bottom of the pylon either the heel or folded sole are attached. The heel bottom is used for most terrain while the folded sole is for muddy or wet areas.
Peg > Foot
Through research and interviews, Byun learned that in rural developing countries, a lower leg prosthetic with a peg bottom works better than one that tries to mimic a foot. This is because the moving parts of a foot bottom can easily be damaged.
Conclusion
Despite the best efforts of demining organizations, landmines are still a dangerous reality in many countries. Getting affordable and functional prosthetics to victims is a must. Espoir is a design concept that could help many. To see more of Yoony Byun’s portfolio visit www.YoonyByun.com.
