Session: 06-09-04: Computational Modeling in Biomedical Applications - IV

Paper Number: 111604

111604 - Methodology to Design 3D Printed Joints: A Case Study Applied to Arm Splints for Healthcare 

Additive manufacturing has allowed innovations in various fields of science, and applied in medicine, has allowed the improvement of multiple procedures facilitating the creation of medical care equipment and products for direct patient use. The design of splints through 3D printing is considered a practical and effective alternative to treat the recovery of bones and joints. This procedure is based on creating a digitized body's design member for which the splint is intended; this fits perfectly with the geometry of the area to be immobilized. The begins with a scan which allows for obtaining a precise representation in a computerized way, being the basis for the splint's design. The applied fixing system is fundamental because it ensures the immobilization of the pieces and can have different locking mechanisms. Still, its development depends on the designer's criteria, which will observe the additional needs that must be considered. There are different ways to design a splint; it must require the type of assembly since this influences the design of the joints, and accordingly, exist models that have two or more pieces are characterized. Various forms of fastening have been observed, such as elastic bands or plastic couplings, but no technical support has been identified to justify that design. In this article, the authors present a methodology that identifies the appropriate joint types according to the requirements defined by the splint design specification (type of loads, splint geometry, number of parts, material and property splint requirements). The restrictions are established based on the material used, and service conditions since these are the ones that define the magnitude and types of efforts that the kind of union designated for the parts of the splint supports. The kind of joint selected must meet the technical and geometric requirements, which must be considered according to the respective number and location of joints developed. Once each unit's contribution was determined, the location and quantity were required to ensure the system's fixation. As a result, a methodology was obtained to develop the type of joint that meets the minimum requirements to maintain the assembled splint according to the initial design requirements. Therefore, the design offers pre-defined service strength by reducing the material and joints that attach the splint sections to protect the body part. The maximum traction obtained was validated through a case study, which consisted of a 3D-printed arm splint with the help of a simulation subjected to traction efforts.

Presenting Author: Jorge Luis Amaya R. Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

Presenting Author Biography: Jorge Luis Amaya R. is a faculty member at the mechanical engineering department at ESPOL Polytechnic University. Its research is focused on engineering design, manufacturing processes, and sustainable manufacturing applications to solve engineering problems. He is interested in developing design methodologies for 3D printed products and tools that allow designers to make decisions to improve the use of additive manufacturing.

Authors:

Bryan S. Perero Segarra Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Carlos G. Helguero Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Fausto Maldonado Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Jorge Hurel Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Jorge Luis Amaya R. Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Emilio Ramírez Université Genobre-Alpes
Frédéric Vignat Université Grenoble-Alpes
Hernan Lara Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE