Cheetah carbon fiber prostheses, primarily known as running blades, have revolutionized athletic performance for amputees.
Key Features and Benefits
- Material: Constructed from carbon fiber, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
- Lightweight Design: Significantly lighter than traditional prosthetics, reducing energy expenditure during activity.
- Energy Return: Carbon fiber's spring-like properties enable efficient energy storage and release, enhancing running efficiency.
- Customization: Blades are available in various shapes and stiffness levels to suit individual needs and athletic goals.
- Durability: Carbon fiber provides high durability, ensuring long-lasting performance under demanding conditions.
Design and Manufacturing
The manufacturing process involves layering carbon fiber sheets and resin, then using vacuum molding to minimize air bubbles and ensure structural integrity. The cooled result is then cut into the desired blade shape.
Usage and Popularity
Cheetah blades are widely used by amputee athletes in running, sprinting, and other sports. It's estimated that a significant majority of amputee Paralympics runners utilize variations of the original Flex-Foot design.
Cost
The cost of a single blade can range from $15,000 to $18,000.
