Eventos Anais de eventos
COBEM 2019
25th International Congress of Mechanical Engineering
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENHANCING MOBILITY ORTHOSIS FOR VICTIMS OF LOWER LIMBS TRAUMAS USING HONEYCOMB TYPE SHOCK ABSORBER
Submission Author:
Marcelo Otavio dos Santos , SP
Co-Authors:
Marcelo Otavio dos Santos , Danielle Silva, Giovanni Lucas Nicola, RODRIGO DE ALMEIDA MELLO PASQUALUCCI
Presenter: Giovanni Lucas Nicola
doi://10.26678/ABCM.COBEM2019.COB2019-0198
Abstract
Since the invention of crutches back in World War I, there has been little development on conceptual terms on the mainstream market. Therefore, one of the best-known orthosis for lower limb injuries recovery assistance has kept its archaic design for 100 years. This work aims to design, simulate (FEM) and test a new knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) concept that would have superior performance, ergonomics, and improved mobility for the user when compared to standard crutches. The central goal was achieved by the thorough investigation of the biomechanics of walking, the use of carbon fiber, 3D-printing and development of a polyurethane honeycomb structure to act as the shock absorber and naturalness of walking. A new concept was developed based on anatomic and engineering inputs, the FEM analyses delivered the expected theoretical results and upon prototyping, difficulties working with the PU part were found and latter improvements on the mathematical model for the shock absorber were done. The final structure delivered the desired weight reduction compared to a standard crutch, superior performance and ergonomics, good mechanical resistance and the ability to free the hands of the patient while recovering.
Keywords
finite elements method, Honeycomb structure, Carbon fiber, orthosis, Lower Limb
