A Simplified Integration System for the Fabrication of Total Surface Bearing Transtibial Socket by Employing Rapid Prototyping Technology

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
M. J. Tzeng ◽  
J. T. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester ◽  
Cad Systems ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Service Bureau ◽  
Interface System ◽  
Complex Procedure ◽  
Alternative Means

This project is to validate the preliminary result of rapid prototyping (RP)-based transtibial socket that was reinforced by wrapping a layer of unsaturated polyester resin. By employing contemporary technologies including a scanner, computer-aided engineering systems, a rapid prototyping machine, together with the expertise of a prosthetist, RP-based prosthetic sockets with a comfortable fit to volunteer amputees can be fabricated. However, the expensive cost and complex procedure of using current commercial scanners and CAD systems will be barriers experienced by clinical professionals. As the existing service bureau infrastructure and cheaper RP technology are easily accessed, fabrication and technology cost barriers will be reduced. The remaining problems include the availability of easily-used CAD systems for designing prosthetic sockets, simple scanner and stump duplicating tool. This study therefore focuses on the integration of simplified systems including a vacuum forming tool, compact scanner and an interface system for designing prosthetic sockets. Although the type of PTB (patella tendon bearing) transtibial socket is widely adopted in plaster-based manual process, TSB (total surface bearing) sockets are more acceptable by amputees. Since the concept of TSB socket should obtain the stump mold of an amputee under appropriate pressure by using a specific stump forming tool, editing complex surfaces can be avoided when using a TSB-based stump model to design a socket. The quality of socket fit is expected to improve by a simplified design process in which an interface system based on grid-editing algorithms is utilized. In addition, cheaper RP technology, such as 3-D printing or droplet binding process, can be alternative means to fabricate RP-based prosthetic sockets. By combining TSB stump mold, simplified design process and a cheaper RP machine, this study proposes a simplified integrating system to manufacture RP stump mold. Using this RP stump mold together with the traditional lamination method of infiltrating resin into cotton layers, the RP-based transtibial sockets will then be fabricated easily. The expected result will demonstrate the feasibility of employing cheaper emerging technologies to assist an unskilled prosthetist who will be able to produce good quality of prosthetic socket.

scholarly journals The Development of a Rapid Prototyping Prosthetic Socket Coated with a Resin Layer for Transtibial Amputees

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
G. F. Huang ◽  
C. T. Lu ◽  
D. Y. Hong ◽  
S. H. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Polyester Resin ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester Resin ◽  
Forming Process ◽  
Prosthetic Foot ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Transtibial Amputees

This article proposes a type of transtibial socket composed of an inner layer fabricated by a rapid prototyping (RP) machine and an outer layer coated with unsaturated polyester resin. This work integrates contemporary technologies including a handheld scanner and CAD systems, to design a thin primary socket shape and then manufactures the socket using a fused deposition-modeling machine. To prevent breakage caused by the layer-based forming process and to reinforce flexural strength, the current research coats the preliminary RP socket with a layer of unsaturated polyester resin. After shaping the proximal brim of the resin-reinforced RP socket to match the specific stump, this study assembles and aligns a shank and a prosthetic foot to form a prosthesis set. After completing a trial safety walk wearing the prosthesis, which is satisfactory to the amputee and a registered prosthetist, this research measures interface pressures between the stump and the resin-reinforced RP socket. Experiment results demonstrate that the resin-reinforced RP socket is applicable for transtibial amputees. In addition to strengthening the FDM socket and producing consistent socket fit, this study also demonstrates a feasible procedure that employs current technologies to design and manufacture transtibial sockets without plaster moulds.

A Study on Heredity and Evolution of Designs Considering Kansei by Using Genetic Algorithms

1995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Yamakawa ◽  
Masao Arakawa ◽  
Nobuyuki Katsuyama
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Optimum Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Semantic Differential ◽  
Front View ◽  
Numerical Examples ◽  
Interface System ◽  
Original Feature

Abstract A new concept on the heredity and evolution of designs was proposed and an optimum design method based on the concept was developed newly by one of the authors. Several kinds of needs for designs may exist and users of some products are not satisfied with the functions of the products but also with their sensuous beauties or impressions of shapes and materials. To consider such sensous quality of the products was called “Kansei designs” in Japan and have become of interest and important lately (Nagamachi, 1989). In this study we introduce the same concept on heredity and evolution of designs as in the previous reports shown in Fig.1 (Yamakawa, 1994) and present a general design method to consider the Kansei design into ordinary, design process by making use of both SD (Semantic Differential) and the Genetic Algorithms. In order to support designer’s impressions, we also consider to take for other features Kansei estimation, which is similar to the original feature and easier to take “Kansei”, into account and developed an interface system which can show the transition of feature during GA process. Front view designs of a car are taken as simple numerical examples and the effectiveness of the proposed method is examined.

Introduction to a Type of Resin-Reinforced Rapid Prototyping Transtibial Socket

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
C. T. Lu ◽  
G. F. Huang ◽  
J. T. Chen ◽  
W. C. Chuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flexural Strength ◽  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Polyester Resin ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester Resin ◽  
Bending Test ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Prosthetic Socket

This article introduced a type of rapid prototyping (RP) transtibial socket that is fabricated by a fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine and wrapped with a layer of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) to enhance its flexural strength. As current rapid prototyping machines use a layer-based process to manufacture products, this will result in RP products liable to break along forming layers once bending moment is applied. To prevent RP prosthetic socket from breakage, this study proposed wrapping a layer of unsaturated polyester resin around a preliminary thin RP socket to reinforce its flexural strength. Factors affecting the strength of the resin-reinforced RP socket include thickness and forming orientation of the preliminary RP socket, thickness of the UPR layer, and type of material used to make the preliminary RP socket. Employing Taguchi experimental design method and ASTM three-point bending test standard, the parameters that influence the flexural strength of the resin-reinforced RP prosthetic socket can be determined. Based on the appropriate parameters, including thickness of the RP layer and UPR layer, the RP material and RP fabricating orientation, the preliminary thin RP prosthetic sockets can be fabricated by an FDM machine. And the thin layer preliminary RP sockets were then wrapped with cotton socks and laminated UPR layer to form resin-reinforced RP sockets. To confirm the effectiveness of the resin-reinforced sockets developed in this study, the pressures at residual limb/socket interface were measured by using a pressure distribution measurement system and movement was captured by a motion analysis system while a patient wears the resin-reinforced RP socket. Two resin-reinforced RP sockets have been fabricated and tested by a volunteer amputee. Analysis of the experimental results would assist a prosthetist to assess the distribution of interface pressures at the pressure-tolerant (PT) and pressure-relief (PR) areas of the residual limb. And, the gait pattern will be used to evaluate the applicability while the resin-reinforced RP socket is worn. Trial uses for durability test of the proposed RP socket are being arranged.

The Gait Analysis and Interface Pressure Measurement Between Stump and Resin-Reinforced Rapid Prototyping Transtibial Socket

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. T. Chen ◽  
H. K. Peng ◽  
C. T. Lu ◽  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
G. F. Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Gait Analysis ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Experimental Systems ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Walking Speeds ◽  
Interface Pressures

Currently, rapid prototyping (RP) products are manufactured by layer-based process; this result may cause RP products to break easily along layers when a bending moment is applied. To prevent RP transtibial sockets from breaking, wrapping a layer of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) around transtibial sockets to reinforce its flexural strength is proposed. To verify the applicability of resin-reinforced RP socket fabrication, two experimental systems, including a socket sensor measurement and gait analysis system, are used to obtain interface pressures between stump, socket and gait characteristics during stance phase while such type of prosthetic socket is used. A male volunteer with a left below-knee amputation, a twenty-year transtibial socket user, was selected for this study. In the experiments, sensors were pasted on the stump and measurement data was collected at different walking speeds. The results of these experiments showed that the interface pressures were concentrated on pressure-tolerant areas, and the swing phase and stride length of stump increased while the volunteer was walking at a fast speed. The resin-reinforced rapid prototyping sockets have better comfortable quality of fitting because the interface pressures are more concentrated on pressure-tolerant areas including the patella tendon and medial tibia flare while wearing the new type of sockets.

Investigation Into the Flexural Strength of a Material for Resin-Reinforced Rapid Prototyping Transtibial Sockets

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Hsu ◽  
C. T. Lu ◽  
G. F. Huang ◽  
J. T. Chen ◽  
H. S. Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flexural Strength ◽  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Polyester Resin ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Unsaturated Polyester ◽  
Bending Test ◽  
Taguchi Experimental Design ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Experimental Design Method

This investigation employed Taguchi experimental design method and ASTM three-point bending test to determine the parameters that influence the flexural strength of a material composed of a thin layer fabricated by a rapid prototyping (RP) machine and coated with a layer of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). Since current rapid prototyping machines use a layer-based process to manufacture products, this will result in RP products liable to break along forming layers when bending load is applied. A type of resin-reinforced RP transtibial socket is proposed to strengthen the flexural strength so that the abrupt collapse can be prevented if a transtibial prosthetic socket made by an RP machine. This study proposed wrapping a layer of unsaturated polyester resin around a preliminary thin RP socket manufactured by a fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine to reinforce its flexural strength. Factors affecting the strength of the resin-reinforced RP socket include thickness and forming orientation of the preliminary RP socket, thickness of the UPR layer, and type of material used to make the preliminary RP socket. Employing Taguchi experimental design method and ASTM three-point bending test standard, the parameters that influence the flexural strength of the resin-reinforced RP prosthetic socket can be determined. Based on the appropriate parameters, including thickness of the RP layer and UPR layer, the RP material and RP fabricating orientation, the preliminary thin RP prosthetic sockets can be fabricated by an FDM machine. And the thin layer preliminary RP sockets were then wrapped with cotton socks and laminated UPR layer to form resin-reinforced RP sockets. To confirm the effectiveness of the resin-reinforced sockets developed in this study, a volunteer subject with unilateral left below-knee amputation is recruited to implement the experiment. The pressures at residual limb/socket interface were measured by using a pressure distribution measurement system and movement was captured by a motion analysis system while a volunteer patient wears the resin-reinforced RP socket. The experimental results demonstrated that the applicability of the proposed type of material and a resin-reinforced RP transtibial socket has been verified. A prosthetist may use the interface pressures exerting on stump and gait pattern during walking to assess the suitability of this type of RP socket based on clinical expertise. Further trial use and more subjects are needed to validate the durability of the proposed RP socket.

The effects of 3D printing in design thinking and design education

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 752-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Greenhalgh
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Interior Design ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Design Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Design Students

Purpose Rapid prototyping and three-dimensional (3D) printing allows the direct creation of objects from 3D computer-aided design files. To identify the effects 3D printing may have on student experiences and the learning of the design process, students were asked to create a design and create a prototype of that design. Design/methodology/approach This study follows an experimental design involving four total courses of interior design students. After conceptualizing a design, students were randomly selected to either create the prototype by hand or given access to 3D printing equipment. The models were graded by three subject experts using a rubric that focused on three key aspects of the model project, namely, craftsmanship, design quality and scale (proportion). Findings All three measures produced significant mean differences with a medium effect size when comparing the 3D printed models to the traditionally built models. Additional observations provided insights into the design processes approached by students using hand-constructed and 3D printed modeling. The most notable difference was the propensity for curved and rectilinear shapes by available design technologies. Research limitations/implications The experiment showed that the design technology (3D printing) did have an impact on the designs students conceptualized. This suggests that students do connect ideation to implementation, and the availability of enabling technology impacts the design process. This research was conducted in an interior design environment and consists of primarily female students. The experimental research may be limited to design programs with similar student populations and levels of exposure to various design technologies. Practical implications This research is designed to provide instructors and programs valuable information when looking at implementing new design technologies into the curriculum. Instructors are made aware that new design technologies do impact student design strategies. Additionally, although certain design technologies allow for revisions, it was apparent that students continued to be resistant to revise their initial models suggesting instructors prepare to address this issue in instruction. Social implications There is a strong body of research indicating inequality in education where students have differing access to technologies in schools. This research shows that 3D printing, similar to many technologies in education, can impact the cognitive processes of content being learned. Originality/value There is limited research on how design technologies impact design cognition and the experiences of design students. This paper looked specifically at one design technology (3D printing/rapid prototyping) and how it impacts the processes and quality of design, in addition to the quality of design products (prototypes or models). Research such as this provides instructors and faculty members an insight into how design technologies impact their curriculum.

scholarly journals Co-Design of Social Impact Domains with the Huntington’s Disease Community

Disabilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-131
Author(s):  
Natasha Layton ◽  
Natasha Brusco ◽  
Tammy Gardner ◽  
Libby Callaway
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
The Social

Background: For people living with or affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD) to experience a good quality of life, tailored support is required to meet physical, cognitive-behavioral, psychological, and social support needs. Substantial service and knowledge gaps regarding HD exist across support providers and service systems. Measuring unmet needs and what quality of life looks like is a fundamental step required to determine the social impact of service investment and provision. The objectives of this study were to validate and map a draft set of HD Social Impact Domains (HD-SID) against existing national and international outcome frameworks; and evaluate and finalize the HD-SID set using a co-design approach with people with lived experience of, and expertise in, HD. Methods: This research used a qualitative co-design process, with 39 participants across four stakeholder groups (people who were HD gene-positive, gene-negative family members, academics, peak organizations, and service providers) to: (i) map and verify the social life areas impacted by HD; (ii) undertake a rigorous three-phased, qualitative process to critically evaluate the draft HD-SID; and (iii) seek feedback on and endorsement of the HD-SID through this co-design process, with a final set of HD-SID identified. Results: Endorsed HD-SID comprised risks and safety (including housing stability, and economic sustainability) and social inclusion (including health and symptom management, physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, and building resilient relationships). Conclusions: Effective measurement of the impacts and outcomes for people with HD is informed by both extant measures and an understanding of the specific population needs. This qualitative co-design research demonstrates that HD-SID resonate with the HD community.

An Integrated, Computer-Based Method for Rapid-Prototyping Weapons-Scale Marine Propulsors Using Stereolithography

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Koch
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Structural Design ◽  
Development Time ◽  
Underwater Vehicles ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles ◽  
Reduce Development Time ◽  
Computer Based

Abstract The present work describes an integrated, two-phase computer-based method for fabricating marine propulsors using stereolithography. This new methodology seamlessly integrates stereolithography rapid prototyping techniques with the hydrodynamic design, structural design, and prototype testing of advanced marine propulsors in order to greatly increase the design process efficiency and reduce development time. Its use as applied to the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced propulsor prototypes for small weapon’s-scale undersea vehicles (e.g., Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes, etc.) is described in order to demonstrate specific strengths of the new method.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document