Cleaner Engineering and Technology (Oct 2022)
Adopting additive manufacturing as a cleaner fabrication framework for topologically optimized orthotic devices: Implications over sustainable rehabilitation
Abstract
The theme of additive manufacturing technology (AMT) is trending among all production sectors, whether it is a mass-production industry or concerned with customized parts fabrication. It provides a proportionally balanced framework to deal with a beneficiary's needs with a stunning overall sustainable performance. This paper describes the potential benefits of adopting the AMT for topologically customized orthotic fabrication and suggests the medical sector sustainability perspectives. Orthotic devices are used to support the functionality of a body part raised due to any deficiency or deformity and provide comfortable healing abetment to the limb by supportive shock reduction, motion assistance, or restriction with customized rehabilitation. This study comprises a detailed review of recent additive manufacturing (AM) innovations in advanced orthotics and the rehabilitation perspective that demands topology optimization (TO) for customized splint fabrication. A systematic multidisciplinary AM framework has also been proposed to promote AMT as a streamlined cleaner fabrication approach in orthotics and healthcare, integrating efficient scanning & printing with optimization result interpretation network and finite element analysis (FEA) based continuously rectifying orthotic design database feeding from biomechanical performance evaluations. The evidential facts concluded that the ability to fabricate any complex geometry with ease of doing is the primary sustainable attribute for adopting the AMT to instantly fabricate patient-specific orthoses/splints/braces that are lightweight, ventilated, hygienic, appealing, strengthened, biocompatible and functionally comfortable. The strategic involvement of the proposed AM framework in the healthcare industry will promote mass customization of topologically optimized orthotic devices and enhance the process and product performance sustainability at the industrial, environmental, financial, resourcial and end-user level.
