Validación funcional enfocada en el retorno energético y rigidez de componentes protésicos (pylon y pie) fabricados mediante tecnologías de manufactura aditiva y escaneo 3D.

According to data from the National Orthotics and Prosthetics Workshop (TNOP) between 2011 and 2013, there was a 71% increase in patient demand for this center, with below-the-knee amputations (transtibial amputations) the fastest growing, with a 186.5% increase in demand. To address this demand, the TNOP and private clinics implement prosthetic devices of varying quality and price that are not necessarily tailored to the specific needs of each patient because they are standard components that do not allow adequate adjustment to ensure patient satisfaction.

Under this problem, since 2012, the Laboratory of Applied Ergonomics of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (ergoTEC) began researching this topic, and the first low-cost 3D prosthetic components (foot, pylon, and socket) have been developed since 2016, implementing new technologies and materials to adapt these devices to the functional and physiological needs of patients. In research phases I and II, 3D-printed prosthetic components were developed, and structural validation was carried out in accordance with ISO 31028 and ISO 22675

Based on the validations and results obtained in the first phases of the investigation, the following question arises: How to ensure that the prosthetic components designed in ergoTEC (foot and pylon) comply with market quality standards and adapt to the functional needs of patients? To answer this question, it is proposed to validate the functionality of the prosthetic components (pylon and foot) focused on stiffness and energy return, as a means of adapting their biomechanical response to the functional needs of patients.

The main objective of this research proposal is to validate the functionality of the prosthetic components (pylon and foot) focused on stiffness and energy return, as a means of adapting their biomechanical response to the functional needs of patients. This validation will be done by comparing the developed prosthetic devices (foot and pylon) with commercial prosthetic components through mechanical tests, with the purpose of comparing their functionality in terms of energy return and stiffness. From these tests, an iterative design and validation process will be carried out through computational simulation

As a result of this phase, it is expected to obtain functional improvements in the design of the foot and the prosthetic pylon that allow correct customization in relation to the functional level, weight, and dimensions of the patient

Validar la funcionalidad de los componentes protésicos (pylon y pie) enfocada en
la rigidez y el retorno energético, como medio para adaptar su respuesta biomecánica a las necesidades funcionales de pacientes.

Ergonomía para el Diseño, Escuela de Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial
Gestión de Factores Humanos, Escuela de Ingeniería en Producción Industrial
Caracterización de materiales y ensayos no destructivos, mecánica de materiales, Escuela de Ciencia e Ingeniería de los Materiales