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Comparative study of a topologically optimized lower limb prosthesis

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Abstract

The need for artificial limbs or prostheses has been on the rise due to army personnel being injured in recent conflicts, an increase in the numbers of senior citizens, and road accidents. Fabrication of artificial limbs is a challenge since the shape and size of each prosthesis is different, and they have complex geometries. Conventional manufacturing processes are not economical when dealing with a customizable prosthesis, so the newer technology of additive manufacturing is considered in this study. To fully exploit the advantages of this process, topology optimization was implemented on the geometry. The subject’s leg was scanned, and the obtained geometry was simplified using ANSYS’ SpaceClaim. The consequent optimization was done in solidThinking Inspire. Two case studies were considered, wherein the geometry was first optimized through conventional topology, and then the resultant geometry was further developed with a lattice. These cases were compared regarding the strength–weight ratio. Fatigue analysis was carried out for both scenarios. Also, the exoskeletal shape of the tibial region of the leg was maintained. Finally, the strength of the resultant prosthesis was validated through a compressive testing experiment.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express gratitude to Mr. Fred Rayner of Applied Biomechanics for sharing his knowledge regarding prosthetics, and for providing the required 3D scanning equipment. The authors would also like to thank Mr. Felix Radisch of solidThinking Inspire for sharing meticulous details of the software employed. The authors would also like to thank the financial support from NSERC and OCE.

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  1. Advanced Manufacturing Lab, School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Tapan Jansari & Ibrahim Deiab

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  1. Tapan Jansari
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  2. Ibrahim Deiab
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Correspondence to Ibrahim Deiab.

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Jansari, T., Deiab, I. Comparative study of a topologically optimized lower limb prosthesis. Int J Interact Des Manuf 13, 645–657 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-019-00540-3

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