An AM optimised transradial interface for low-income countries

An AM optimised transradial interface for low-income countries

Mazereeuw, Matthijs (TU Delft Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering)

Plettenburg, D.H. (mentor)
Cuellar Lopez, J.S. (graduation committee)
Smit, G. (graduation committee)
van der Helm, F.C.T. (graduation committee)
van Vliet, B. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Biomedical Engineering | BioMechatronics

2018-10-15

Prosthetic devices remain inaccessible for many amputees in low-income countries. The lack of trained professionals and resources to fit a prosthetic (interface) are principle reasons. The low cost at which additive manufacturing technology (AM) is able to produce a custom made part could change this. As such, the aim of this study was to design an AM transradial interface specifically for low-income countries. It was decided to adopt the WILMER Open Socket design for AM. The interface was not manufactured in its final form. Instead it was decided to print the interface perfectly flat and reassemble it post-manufacturing for increased print reliability and optimal material properties. Flexible yet durable TPU 95A filament was chosen for this purpose. Reassembling the separate pieces occurred with two different locking mechanisms, which were designed specifically for this purpose. These locks were validates using tensile strength tests. The fully assembled interface was tested as well in two different orientations to validate its strength. In contrast to traditional interface fitting, the new design requires merely anthropomorphic measurements, as the actual surface of the residual limb remains mostly uncovered. This study proposes a different approach to AM prosthetic interface design. The fabrication method has been embraced fully, resulting in a comfortable, visually appealing, and durable design for low-income and challenging settings.

Prosthesis
Interface
3D Printing
transradial
wilmer open socket
Developing countries

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:c6b15882-fa2c-485b-89a7-2561dbbc6b89

2022-10-15

Student theses

master thesis

© 2018 Matthijs Mazereeuw