International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | Jun 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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A study on Cost Effective Lower Limb Orthotics with 3d Printing and Composite Material Dr. M Arul Prakash1, Kawin Harshan SU2, Gnamath Basha A3 1Asso. Prof, Dept. Of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, India 2,3Student, Dept. Of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------prosthetics and orthotics, these actuators are essential for Abstract - This paper examines the application of 3D
printing and composite materials in the production of lower limb orthotics, focusing on achieving both customization and cost-effectiveness. By harnessing the flexibility of 3D printing and the durability of lightweight materials, orthotic devices are tailored to meet individual anatomical needs, improving patient comfort and mobility. These technologies reduce manufacturing time, minimize material waste, and lower production costs. The study also identifies current limitations and explores future improvements, such as the integration of advanced medical imaging for even more precise designs, aimed at enhancing both patient outcomes and production efficiency.
ensuring user safety and comfort. Elastic actuators are preferred in dynamic applications over rigid ones, but current compliant cobots are often too costly or complex for widespread use in these fields. This study introduces a low-cost, sensorized elastic actuator designed for prosthetic and orthotic applications. The modular design, made possible with 3D printing, enables quick customization and cost-effective production. Both the hardware and software are open-source, providing accessible resources for students, researchers, and professionals. Additionally, the system supports impedance and admittance control, further enhancing its adaptability and functionality [1].
Key Words: Custom orthotics, 3D printing, composite
Individuals with neurological impairments, particularly those with cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI), often struggle with daily tasks due to triceps weakness or loss of function. More physically demanding activities, such as sit-skiing, are often impossible due to the strength required. While research into exoskeletons designed to enhance arm extension is ongoing, no commercially available solutions currently exist. Most designs rely on electric motors, which require bulky power sources and wiring, limiting their practicality for everyday use[2].Although passive power systems for upper limb exoskeletons have been explored, none have yet provided adequate strength for tasks like sit-skiing. This research introduces a passively actuated exoskeletal arm brace designed with two adjustable strength modes: one for low-level gravity compensation to assist with range of motion, and another for weight-bearing activities. The result is an affordable, lightweight, modular device, customizable to meet the specific needs of individual users.
materials, lower limb, medical imaging.
1.INTRODUCTION The possible uses of 3D printing and composite materials in producing reasonably priced lower limb orthoses are examined in this work. It investigates the advantages of these technologies that is, more design flexibility, better manufacturing efficiency, and better biomechanical performance. Moreover, the research tackles important obstacles and future prospects in combining these developments for more general clinical and personal uses. These devices have historically been produced using traditional techniques like metal fabrication and thermoforming plastics, which can be expensive, timeconsuming, and frequently lead to little customisation. Advances in material science and additive manufacturing have made 3D printing a promising technology for creating highly customisable and reasonably priced orthotic solutions.
This paper introduces a soft wearable orthotic device designed to assist with gait. Constructed primarily from soft materials, the device weighs only 680 g when worn on the lower extremities, minimizing any additional inertia during movement. The device employs fully soft pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) as actuators, which operate at low threshold pressures. A group of four PAMs generates force for ankle plantarflexion during specific phases of the gait cycle. Gait detection is
2.COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS AND ACTUATORS FOR ORTHOTIC & PROSTHETIC APPLICATIONS Collaborative robots, or cobots, are increasingly popular due to their ability to safely operate alongside humans in shared environments. A key aspect of their design is the use of compliant actuators, which help prevent damage during accidental collisions. In
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