2/18/08 Phase 1: Idea Collection Idea collection Phase is in full swing! Here are some of the hook ideas I have collected so far 1) Adjustable or Selectable Prehension. This is an old idea where the user can adjust the pinch force on a VC device. This would allow users to handle both heavy and delicate objects. 2) Detachable third finger. This would allow different modules to attach directly to the device such as a knife holder or different tools. 3) Non-preportional Spring Action. I… Continue

The first post on blog entries is so awkward. Well, anyways, here is a little background about me: I am a Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State who is working on my Masters Thesis project. When I was looking for a project I knew I wanted to work on a product that was challenging, and also helpful to people that are often overlooked. Then when I factored in my contacts at Hosmer Dorrance, it was a no-brainer to choose a prosthics project. My main goals is to provide a prosthetic hook… Continue

"Lead users," are consumers (individuals or companies) who spur innovation in an industry by contributing innovations often of a greater value and at a faster pace than the companies that produce the products they use. Their innovations are often freely shared and eventually incorporated into products. Far from being an idealist fantasy, lead user innovations can be incorporated into the R&D strategy of a nimble company, enabling quick identification and anticipation of consumer needs. What… Continue

Some of you may have seen the message that I sent to everyone on the network requesting feedback on opening the network to Google searches and RSS feeds, and to casual, unsubscribed viewers. I have received some feedback, all positive, and I intend to make the change, barring strenuous objections from anyone within the next week.

As I mentioned, I had originally made the network open to anyone to join, but closed to non-members in order to encourage people to share personal medical det… Continue

Well, well, where do I start?

I have been a left arm below elbow amputee for over 17 years and am using a voluntary closing APRL hook developed by th US army after World War 2. It is currently manufactured by Hosmer and has not had any changes made since its inception over 55 years ago. I am seeking design and manufacture help to increase this hook's quality an longevity.

A bit of my history with the APRL:

After I had my accident which caused the need for amputation,…

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