Hierex

Hiking offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. However, below-knee amputee hikers face two primary challenges: excessive sweat within their limbs and the need for additional adjustments on their feet due to changes in shoe height. 

Hiking induces perspiration, particularly for below-knee amputees who wear a silicone liner and carbon fiber socket. The combination of heat and moisture during hiking leads to sweat accumulation, causing the prosthetic leg to slip off the limb. This poses a significant risk to the amputee hiker's safety. Presently, they must halt their hike, remove the prosthetics, and wipe their limb, thereby disrupting their hiking experience and raising concerns regarding hygiene and privacy for these individuals.

Furthermore, when wearing hiking shoes, adjustments must be made to the prosthetic foot due to variations in heel heights. Negotiating uneven terrain along the trail poses considerable challenges for amputee hikers, subjecting their limbs to heightened pressure and resulting in pain.

Hierex features a distinctive water-cooling system integrated within the prosthetic leg, effectively reducing limb temperature and preventing the issue of excessive sweat for below-knee amputee hikers. It circulates cool water to the socket, ensuring that the temperature inside remains comfortably low. The warm water is then directed back to the heat exchanger grid, where it is cooled by the fan.

In addition to addressing the functional aspects, I aimed to enhance the aesthetics of the prosthesis, incorporating a humanistic touch that empowers and instills confidence in the user.

Design Process

I began my project by engaging in user research and conducting interviews with below-knee amputees to gain insight into their exercise habits and routines. Additionally, I hiked alongside Luis to identify the specific challenges he encountered.

My objective centered around addressing two main issues: excessive sweating on their lower limb and improving the stability and flexibility of their prosthetic foot. To achieve this, I devised various prototypes and tested them to determine the most effective solution.

Considering the unique nature of each prosthetic, I made the decision to design a prosthetic called Hierex specifically for Luis, who was one of my interviewees. This prosthetic was tailored to align with his personality, attire, and lifestyle preferences.