Innovative Finger Prosthesis “Lunet” Designed by University of Houston Graduate Goes Open Access
Houston, TX – David Edquilang, a recent graduate from the University of Houston, has gained worldwide recognition for his visionary creation, Lunet – a groundbreaking finger prosthesis. While many individuals would seize the opportunity to profit from such an invention, Edquilang chose a different path, opting to release the design as an open-access resource on the internet.
Edquilang believes that not every brilliant idea needs to be commercialized for personal gain. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of sharing exceptional concepts freely for the collective welfare. Interestingly, many medical insurance policies do not cover the cost of finger prostheses, as they are considered less vital compared to replacements for entire limbs. With Lunet available online at no cost, Edquilang hopes to reach a wider audience and assist more individuals in need.
This innovative finger prosthesis was born out of a collaboration between Edquilang and Associate Professor Jeff Feng from the University of Houston’s Industrial Design program. Feng’s encounter with a patient who lost their fingers due to frostbite sparked the idea for an affordable yet highly functional prosthetic. Together, they developed a prototype that enabled the patient to regain the ability to grasp objects. However, Edquilang’s dedication to innovation led him to push the boundaries further.
Guided by Feng’s expertise, Edquilang embarked on an intensive design phase, creating and testing an impressive total of 60 prototypes in just two weeks. This relentless pursuit resulted in a final design for Lunet that showcased enhanced durability, a streamlined configuration, and an improved assembly process, all while maintaining optimal functionality.
Lunet is composed of two 3D-printed plastics: polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane, both easily accessible materials. The finger prosthesis consists of four distinct parts that are meticulously assembled using plastic pins. This ingenious design ensures not only remarkable durability but also minimizes the risk of breakage due to its simplicity and efficient use of components.
The exceptional design of Lunet has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition, earning numerous awards including the 2023 Red Dot: Luminary award, the 2023 Red Dot: Best of the Best award, two 2023 DNA Paris Design Awards, and the 2023 Spark Design Award Gold. It is also a finalist for the 2023 IDEA award and has been named a US National Runner-Up for the 2023 James Dyson Award.
With Lunet now available as an open-access resource, Edquilang’s selfless contribution to the field of prosthetics has the potential to benefit countless individuals in need. As society continues to prioritize the collective welfare, innovative and accessible designs like Lunet offer a glimpse into a future where healthcare solutions are readily available and affordable for all.
For more information and to access the Lunet finger prosthesis design, visit David Edquilang’s official website.
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