March 30, 2016

Today, we added attachments into our product to incorporate the elasticity function. For a rough idea of how this will work, we can cut two rubber bands so that we have elastic "strings" for both sides of the brace. We can then feed one band through the holes on either side and tie them securely. This will create tension when the foot is back, causing it to help the user swing their foot forward which follows with the release of the tension. The individual's using this brace are capable of pushing off by themselves but cannot lift their toes up, so this design will be useful.

Our next step is to again use the Boolean Union function to create one solid part from the two splines and foot insole. In MeshMixer, we will make sure the part is as durable, stable, and symmetrical as possible. Then, we will print out the two parts and test our brace.

March 10, 2016

After presenting at the TechShop on March 8, 2016, we were able to get feedback and suggestions on our project. These suggestions includ using softer material for the insole and connecting the elastic band through two holes extending off the calf sections to the insole section. The feedback throughout the presentation was positive. Additionally, a person with marketing experience told us that we could eventually mass produce these products for a substantial profit if we were able to.

March 3, 2016

The completed poster to accompany our presentation at Tech Shop on March 8th can be found below and in "Design Process".

March 2, 2016

We used the Boolean Union feature on MeshMixer to create one solid out of the left and right attachments and the custom insole. Because this is a custom product, the dimensions of the insole as well at the attachments will differ per person. The dimensions for this particular spline attachment are: X: 4 in. Y: 0.95 in. Z: 5.381 in. We can now think about whether it would be more effective, secure, and/or comfortable with one or both attachments. We can make further adjustments as we test out different designs.

Also, an idea for the elasticity function could be to have snap-on attachments that connect to each section of the brace with an elastic band in between and the strength can be adjusted by snapping on the pieces closer together or farther apart.

March 1, 2016

Today, we started designing our poster to accommodate our presentation at TechShop on March 8. The insole to calf attachment was also printed (see below). We mirrored this design on Inventor so that we now have an attachment for both sides of the brace. For our custom insole, another group, Lynne and Joan, has given us their file which we will combine to the two attachments to form one solid (Boolean Union feature on MeshMixer).

AFO w/ Printed Insole Attachment
March 1, 2016