Elle: The Innovative Swimming Prosthetic and Swimwear

Optimizing the Swimming Experience for Amputees

Swimming is a beloved activity for many, but for amputees, it can present unique challenges. Recognizing the lack of prosthetics specifically designed for swimming, designer Della Tosin was inspired to create Elle. As an avid swimmer herself, Tosin wanted to find innovative solutions to help those with physical disabilities enjoy the sport she loved.

What sets Elle apart from other prosthetics is its focus on optimizing the swimming experience. Elle is designed to achieve balance, maximize energy return during launch off and flip-turns, and support the body through the latest technology.

One of the key challenges amputees face in swimming is maintaining a streamlined position. The loss of a leg can result in imbalanced buoyancy, making it difficult to swim efficiently. Elle addresses this issue with an adjustable air chamber that controls buoyancy and helps amputees maintain their streamlined position in the water. The swimwear component of Elle is made from a material that repels water, increasing buoyancy and further enhancing the swimmer's performance.

Elle also caters to the different energy requirements of each phase of swimming. The prosthetic leg features a flexed ankle made of a metal plate, which increases energy return and can be adjusted to match an individual's strength. The swimwear has an elastic band on the back, reducing energy loss during launch off.

Comfort is another crucial aspect of swimming with a prosthetic leg. Elle addresses this by providing a vacuum socket that reduces pain and improves endurance. The tight fit between the stump and the prosthetic ensures maximum comfort during rapid and regular leg movements.

Elle is made using advanced 3D printing technology, allowing for customization based on individual measurements. The main structure is constructed from a carbon fiber and carbon nanotube composite, providing strength and durability. The vacuum socket is made of thermoplastic polypropylene, while the flexed ankle is fabricated from a metal plate. The socket that covers the flexed ankle is made of silicone, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

The development of Elle involved extensive research and collaboration with experts in swimming and prosthetics. Insights from swimming instructors, prosthetists, and amputee swimmers shaped the design and functionality of Elle. Through multiple iterations and feedback, the concept was refined to create the most promising prototype.

Elle has garnered recognition for its innovation and excellence. In 2016, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Cybernetics, Prosthesis, and Implant Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

Elle is not just a prosthetic leg; it is a game-changer for amputees who want to excel in swimming. With its unique features and focus on optimizing the swimming experience, Elle empowers amputees to compete on an equal footing with able-bodied swimmers. It is a testament to the power of design and technology in improving lives and expanding possibilities.