Shock-Absorbing Foldable Crutches with Compliant Axillary Bar

Abstract

This report describes a project that designed and built prototype axillary crutches that aimed to reduce axillary damage in the user and also allow the crutches to become compact when they need to be stored. Background information detailing the proper use and components of axillary crutches are provided, along with explaining the specific problems that current axillary crutches have. This report shows the research that went into previous projects attempting to solve similar problems and various concepts that were developed in the preliminary stages of this project. Next, the details of the design process and engineering decisions made during the completion of this project are discussed in detail. The final design and prototype of the project is shown, including a discussion of the conclusion of this project with considerations for future iterations of projects similar to this. User testing was done once the prototype was created and it was indicated that 84% of users tested agreed that the prototype crutches designed in this project were more comfortable to use compared to current axillary crutches.