case | ankle foot orthosis

“Innovation walks ahead”

DESIGN OPTIMISATION

The Push ortho Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) is designed to offer excellent support in the case of loss of ability to lift the foot and problems in controlling the foot when walking. The innovative design allows for a natural gait and makes safe and efficient walking possible again. In close collaboration with Nea International B.V., we have optimised the design of the orthosis to find the right balance between stiffness and flexibility, leading to optimal user comfort.

The Code team consists of experts in structural design and predictive engineering. Combining this with extensive knowledge of lightweight materials and processing, we were able to reach an optimal result for the Push Ankle Foot Orthosis.
Hendrik Schütte, Simulation Engineer at Code Product Solutions

THE CHALLENGE

Our goal was to find the right design and to select a suitable material, combined with ensuring optimal producibility and a short product development time.

For selecting the right material and to develop a proper design, we had to take in mind the following: To be able to walk unhindered, the user should not encounter difficulty by the AFO frame, so this asks for much flexibility. Also, when the foot is lifted during the swing phase of walking, the AFO should be stiff enough to provide sufficient support to the foot.

In summary, the aim was to find the right balance between flexibility in one direction and stiffness in the other direction.

OUR SOLUTION

In the process of optimising the Ankle Foot Orthosis, we have taken multiple steps. To be able to efficiently alter the design, we have employed Finite Element Analyses to create a virtual model of the AFO. Defining realistic load cases was key, since the loads exerted onto the AFO are different each time because each AFO user is unique. To define realistic load cases, we have collaborated with Nea International B.V. and with a physiotherapist.

The AFO design was optimised with respect to stiffness and flexibility for the defined load cases. By identifying the critical locations with respect to strength, the design of the AFO could be improved. This led to a robust design that prevents tearing of the material while being used.

Our virtual development approach shortened the development time, reduced the number of expensive prototypes and resulted in a robust and lightweight design.

WHAT WE DID

FINITE ELEMENT MODEL VALIDATION

Based on the initial AFO design, an FE-model was created. Using tensile test results of the proposed material, we have derived a representative material model. Using test results from physical prototypes, the FE-model has been validated. This model became the basis for the optimisation of the AFO design. This CAE-driven engineering approach shortens the duration of the design process and reduces the number of expensive prototypes.

LOAD CASE DEFINITION

The loading conditions of the AFO during operation play a decisive role in the design. Therefore, additional attention was paid to defining several representative load cases, which have been used for the design optimisation.

Every user of an AFO uses the aid under different circumstances. Together with a physiotherapist and with Nea International’s design engineers, we have investigated the way an AFO is used on a daily basis.

MATERIAL SELECTION

Based on the FE-simulation results, the preferred material behaviour was defined. By comparing several proposed materials, the best performing material was selected with respect to stiffness, elastic behaviour and strength.

PRODUCIBILITY ANALYSIS

Cooperation in the value chain is key. In this case we teamed up with Nea International's injection moulding partner, who is specialised in producing high performance sports and medical applications. Combining expertise creates an even greater traction and shortens time to market.

Using injection moulding simulations, the producibility of the new design was evaluated. With this analysis, we have identified attention points in the production process, such as air traps and weld lines. The intensive collaboration with the injection moulder resulted in a design with guaranteed manufacturability.

OUR RESULTS

Optimal robust design with the right balance between stiffness and flexibility
Lowest possible weight for maximum comfort
Short time to market, enabled by CAE-driven development approach
Guaranteed producibility

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“Innovation walks ahead”

DESIGN OPTIMISATION

THE CHALLENGE

OUR SOLUTION

FINITE ELEMENT MODEL VALIDATION

LOAD CASE DEFINITION

MATERIAL SELECTION

PRODUCIBILITY ANALYSIS

OUR RESULTS

Want to know more?

Contact Harold van Aken

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info@code-ps.com

Schinnen

Amsterdam

Eindhoven

Chennai, India

Schinnen

Amsterdam

Eindhoven

Chennai, India

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