Tese
Planejamento e projeto do produto para demanda de tecnologia assistiva: metodologia de solução inventiva para o desenvolvimento de órtese
Fecha
2022-03-07Autor
Paulo Henrique Rodrigues Guilherme Reis
Institución
Resumen
The use of orthoses, static and dynamic, is an efficient way to treat hand
impairments and limitations, often caused by brain injuries, such as Cerebral
Palsy and motor dysfunctions. However, although highly recommended by
professionals in the area, the use of orthoses is often neglected due to the high
cost of acquisition, discomfort of the device, and complexity of use and
maintenance. In this context, this study aims to present the process and
development of two hand orthoses, being a static one, for positioning, and a
dynamic one, for increasing functionality. The static orthosis model was
developed from Topology Optimization. To validate the new model, numerical
simulations were performed by Finite Element Analysis and Thermographic
Studies were compared to the traditional model. The results show that the new
model, when compared to the traditional model, presents a 17.56% reduction in
the volume of material used, a 35.48% reduction in the weight of the orthosis,
and a 171.17% reduction in the maximum surface deformation when subjected
to the acting forces. It was also verified that, when manufactured by MA, the new
model is 2.54 times cheaper than the traditional model besides presenting better
cooling performance during use (max: 36.4ºC) if compared to the traditional
model (max: 39.7ºC). The proposal of the dynamic orthosis was to develop a
functional device with simplified activation. A torsion spring energy conserving
mechanism was developed to enable hand functionality in individuals with
Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy. Clinical results of the dynamic orthosis demonstrated
functionality of the device in both the activation of the pincer movement and the
gripping force provided by the spring. Statistical analysis demonstrated
superiority of functionality in the dynamic orthosis intervention compared to the
intervention without the orthosis (p < 1000), however, no significant difference
was indicated in the comparison of functionality between the interventions with
the dynamic orthosis and without the orthosis.