Featured Project: Prosthetic Cooling Socket
QL Plus 2024 National Design Competition +
Veterans with lower-limb amputations
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Amputees experience excessive heat and moisture in prosthetic sockets, causing discomfort and safety concerns. Seven teams from eight universities competed in the inaugural competition in 2023-24. The competition brought together a range of experts from prosthetics, the VA, amputees, and engineering professionals to review and judge the competition.
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Teams designed cooling/wicking systems to reduce heat and moisture in prosthetic limbs.
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Teams were pushed to go beyond some of the expectations of their universities to create a cooling socket or liner that would help address this common issue in those with amputations. The competition pushed the boundaries of prosthetic innovation, laying the foundation for future advancements.
George Mason University placed first, University of Dayton second, and USF third.
