Research, study, design and development of an artificial ear splint model by using a 3D printer

Abstract

The aim of this research study centers around the design and development, using a three-dimensional model of an ear-splint. This study results from the need of a non-invasive method, as the current techniques used in otoplasty have succeeded in reducing the risk of complications, but without drastically reducing the rate of postoperative deformity. Indeed, stick out ears present a deformity that occurs in 5% of the population. Factors such as psychosocial impact and intimidation lay the foundations for the need for such a method. This paper essays to create, through 3D printing, a case customized into the ear of any person of all ages. The splint was made on Zortrax M200 3D printer model, equipped with the V3 Hotend head, and the material used for printing was 16 grams of Z-FLEX. It is noted that the creation of the case is innovative and original. After putting the ear-splint into test, by applying it on a human ear, two conclusions emerge. First, it is very light, weight, just 16 grams, and second, it offers comfort and convenience to the user. In order to get results for its practicality, a clinical rehabilitation study is recommended.

Modern Applications of 3D Printing: The Case of an Artificial Ear Splint Model

“…Specifically, the photogrammetry is used as a 3D scanning technology for providing 3D surface data and accurate digital models, by scanning in our case a human ear, resulting in a digital ear model. There is always the risk of misalignment, but it can be prevented by taking multiple photos of adjacent areas and by using 3D imaging equipment and distinct software in order to obtain sufficient data and eliminate the noise from the model [5][6][7][8][9]. The digital ear model is composed of the data generated by using reverse engineering software.…”

“…The new smart design involves the addition of material to the helix and antihelix sides in order to apply a more distributed force in comparison to our previous design, Figure 2. 3D printing of the artificial ear splint allows for the use of the fused deposition material technique and stereolithography to test various materials [5][6][7][8][9]. With the respect to the latter, we have already published a non-invasive method for the correction of stick-out ears to the ICMMEN 2020 conference and building upon our prior work and motivated by the recent contribution of additive manufacturing processes to the medical field, we tried to improve our design parameters and test different materials [5].…”

“…3D printing of the artificial ear splint allows for the use of the fused deposition material technique and stereolithography to test various materials [5][6][7][8][9]. With the respect to the latter, we have already published a non-invasive method for the correction of stick-out ears to the ICMMEN 2020 conference and building upon our prior work and motivated by the recent contribution of additive manufacturing processes to the medical field, we tried to improve our design parameters and test different materials [5]. Specifically, the ear model was taken by 3D scanning techniques, and reverse engineering processes were then used for the integration of complex surfaces from the human auricular.…”

“…The new smart design involves the addition of material to the helix and antihelix sides in order to apply a more distributed force in comparison to our previous design, Figure 2. 3D printing of the artificial ear splint allows for the use of the fused deposition material technique and stereolithography to test various materials [5][6][7][8][9].…”