New Design Procedure of Transtibial ProsthesisBed Stump Using Topological Optimization Method

Abstract

This paper presents a new design procedure for production of a transtibial prosthesis bed stump by three-dimensional (3D) printing with topological optimization. The suggested procedure combines the medical perspective with finite element analysis and facilitates regaining the symmetry in patients with transtibial prosthesis, which leads to life improvement. The particular focus of the study is the weight reduction of the lower part of the bed stump, while taking into account its stiffness and load-bearing capacity. The first part of the work deals with the analysis of the subject geometry of the bed stump, which is usually oversized in terms of the weight and stiffness that are necessary for the current application. In the second part, an analysis of walking biomechanics with a focus on the impact and rebound phases is presented. Based on the obtained information, a spatial model of the lower part of the bed stump is proposed in the third phase, in which the finite element method is described. In the fourth part, the topological optimization method is used for reducing the structure weight. In the last part, the results of the designed model are analyzed. Finally, the recommendations for the settings of the method are presented. The work is based on the practical industry requirements, and the obtained results will be reflected in the design of new types of transtibial prosthesis.

Sensitivity Analysis of Key Formulations of Topology Optimization on an Example of Cantilever Bending Beam

“…However, this paper should help with the initial estimates. After finding the optimal formulations and their parameters, one could prepare scripts for automated designing of customized structures such as prosthetic aids [14,44] or scripts for automated designing of mountain climbing equipment [45].…”

“…Even though it is demonstrated on a simple example, this insight can be used for complex problems of engineering practice. For example, our group [14] described topology optimization of a transtibial bed stump using a custom MATLAB script. Performing sensitivity analysis of the key formulations is recommended for supporting the robustness of the computations in any new problem.…”

Study of Optimal Cam Design of Dual-Axle Spring-Loaded Camming Device

“…This procedure was presented by Ole et al [ 25 ] including the source code for a plane square element in MATLAB. The procedure of designing the optimal shape using topology optimization was presented by Sotola et al in their paper, in which the authors described the theory and implementation of the above method using a code in MATLAB [ 26 ]. Furthermore, their paper discusses the problem of supplementing the code with the analysis of several load-cases, inserting passive areas, using filtering, etc.…”

Prediction of Model Distortion by FEM in 3D Printing via the Selective Laser Melting of Stainless Steel AISI 316L

“…It should be noted that the topology optimization is done to cut off the weight from the part, while ensuring that the part is functional and with comparable stiffness in comparison to its original counterpart. Specifically, in our study, we saved 63% of weight (From Figure Topological optimization has become a powerful area of study since such algorithms can be applied to many design problems in different physical disciplines, such as solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, and thermal dynamics [18][19][20]. By using topological optimization methods and related algorithms, a designer can generate innovative design ideas, especially in engineering fields.…”