supplemental exoskeleton project

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Supplemental Exoskeleton Project Lisa DeConti, Derek Dodge, Jerry Merkel, Dan Evans and Nick Vernadakis

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Page 1: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Supplemental Exoskeleton ProjectLisa DeConti, Derek Dodge, Jerry Merkel, Dan Evans and Nick Vernadakis

Page 2: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

The Objective

Address common problems with current cast designCreate cost-effective, eco-friendly, comfortable castCome up with three designs, choose best one

Page 3: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Problems with Current Design: The Upper Extremity Orthopedic Cast

ApplicationMaterialsExposure to waterBreathability/Unexposure Safe removalRestricting and uncomfortable

Page 4: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Problems with Current Design: The Upper Extremity Orthopedic Cast

The upper extremity orthopedic cast consists of a shell encasing, often times made from plaster, and a soft inner padding, usually cotton, used to stabilize and hold anatomical structures, often broken bones in the lower arm such as the radius or ulna.

● Modern casts have many problems, however, and designs have been similar since the Egyptians use of splints 3000 BC

● Knitted fiberglass bandages saturated with polyurethane are used. These shells are lighter and dry much faster than plaster bandages. However, plaster can be more easily molded to make a snug and therefore more comfortable fit. Plaster is also much smoother and does not snag clothing or abrade the skin.

Page 5: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Problems with Current Design: The Upper Extremity Orthopedic Cast

It seems that one of the most efficient ways of cast preparations is using gypsum, heated, and ground to a fine powder by refining it. When water is added, the soluble form of calcium sulfate returns to the relatively insoluble shape, and heat is produced as a product.

2 (CaSO4·½ H2O) + 3 H2O → 2 (CaSO4.2H2O) + Heat This method is known as the plaster of Paris method, which has been an outdated source of casting ever since.

Removal of the traditional cast is a hastle. Removal of the cast entails destroying the cast, which wastes materials and is not the most cost-efficient. The process is noisy, making use of a special oscillating saw that can easily cut hard cast material but has difficulty cutting cast padding.

Page 6: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design OneMouth Guard Inspired Design

Heat moldableInternal resistor to aid in heatingFew generic sizes to cater to all peopleUse of Ultrasound to maximize blood flow to accelerate healing

Page 7: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design One Pros and ConsPros:

ReusableCustom Fit, More Comfortable Faster HealingWaterproof, durable Easy Removal Cost Effective (reusable)

Cons:Not as protectiveInitial costs are higher

Page 8: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design TwoDissolvable Arm Cast Design

Made from Hydrophobic PolymerWill be removed with an alcohol or liquid hydrocarbon Dissolved polymer can be extracted from solvent and reused

Page 9: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design Two Pros and ConsPros:

Reusable materialCheap removal equipment Waterproof Con:Having to rebuild the cast from raw materials to reuse it Difficult applicationPeople with sensitive skin and allergies may have trouble with it Cannot be around certain chemical solutions

Page 10: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design ThreeAir Compression Design

Large Plastic FrameAir bags lining the inside of the frame that are blown up to fit the patient’s armDoctor will have a lock to the outside of the cast, so only the doctor can

deflate it Similar to a blood pressure arm cuff

Page 11: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Design Three Pros and ConsPros:

Easy application and removalReusable, can be set to fit patient perfectlyNo special equipment requiredInexpensive materialsCons:Not as structurally supportive Large, bulky Breakable, easy to deflate

Page 12: Supplemental Exoskeleton Project

Final Design Decision We chose the first design because:

It was the most cost efficient, after start of fees it is reusable and durableIt would be the most comfortable for the patient as well as the most

supportiveDecreased healing timeMost convenient for everyday life