Special Issue Article Open Access

Design for Customized Additive Manufactured Exoskeleton Using Bio CAD Modeling

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to a process by which components are built in layers by depositing material from 3D CAD data. CAD along with medical images and AM technologies has the capacity to create anatomical models that have diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative applications. Disabled people require assistance for moving their lower limbs to enable them in the walking process. Exoskeleton is an assistive electromechanical device that are worn by a human operator and designed to increase the physical performance of the wearer. With the advent of new medical and manufacturing technologies, three-dimensional (3D) CAD model reconstruction from Computerized Tomography (CT) image has recently become a promising choice for exoskeleton design. The integration of CAD and medical technology is referred to as Bio-CAD modeling. The aim of the paper is to design a lightweight structure with a portable energy supply, without undermining the autonomy of the device. Initially the design is focused in designing an exoskeleton model to assist the knee joint and its associated structures to aid in walking. CT image of the lower limb is obtained from the patient in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format.The CAD model of the stacked CT image is developed using Bio CAD modelling (MIMICS + 3-MATIC) software to obtain the final geometry of the Exoskeleton. The exoskeleton model may be fabricated in AM system with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material, and tested for its compatibility in real time. The combination of AM and Bio CAD modelling gives a high level of accuracy in terms of shape, size and position of the Exoskeleton and significantly shorter lead time when compared to the conventional (manual) technique. It also provides more comfort to the patients while walking, standing and sitting conditions.

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