David Sengeh devoted his innovation to amputees in Sierra Leone because of it's war-torn nature. He wanted to recreate "the socket that connects an artificial limb to a human body". This is certainly the age of 3D printing especially with how far the capabilities have come.The issue that Mr. Sengeh is tackling is the common problem amongst amputees which is that their prosthetic leg is uncomfortable. Regardless of the efficiency of the prosthetic leg, they will not wear it unless it is designed properly with the user in mind.
Poorly designed sockets are due to the uneven pressure over the limb as well as the material sockets are made of; these materials do not adapt well to changing anatomy of amputees.
Mr. Sengeh's solution to these issues is to use 3D-printed materials to develop the socket. Since it 3D printing is fairly quick, it can be instantly send to the patient as well as printed anywhere (not limiting this tech to Sierra Leone). To solve the issue of the limb creating discomfort in anatomical areas, socket will be flexible and rubber-based to relieve pressure in those areas.
In Mr Sengeh's trials, a US veteran that has been an amputee for 20 years+ stated that the socket is"so soft, it's like walking on pillows." Granted his innovation does reach complete success, then amputees everywhere can send in scans and have a personalized socket delivered to them so they can live the independent, fulfilling, and comfortable life they rightfully deserve. This technology is not limited to just prosthetic leg sockets either, it can be applied to the beginning of repairing bodies "affected by war and design" in an affordable matter.
Bibliography
@TEDTalks. "3D Printing a Better Socket for Prosthetic Limbs." Ideastedcom. N.p., 02 Jan. 2016. Web. 04 Oct. 2016. <http://ideas.ted.com/today-the-bionic-woman-can-just-go-ahead-and-print-her-own-parts/>.
