Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Parametric Prosthetics : Creating a digital workflow for individualised design

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posted on 2021-09-30, 00:22 authored by Mutambu, Tinofara

Digital design technologies and data collection methods are increasingly being used to cater for personal specification of products and services.

The current process of fitting and making below-knee prosthetics is labour intensive and time consuming. Whilst artificial limb service providers have begun to implement digital technologies, opportunities for individualised prosthesis using parametric modelling and additive manufacture remain unrealised.

In response this thesis develops a digital workflow which acts as the tailor in the prosthetic design process. Together with additive manufacture the capability of parametric variation is examined as a demonstration of future possibilities.

The research looks at innovative ways to visualise future products in the form of a fully 3D printed prosthesis that challenges existing methods. Using field research, design experiments, parametric software and simulated anthropometric models a range of virtual and physical lower limbs were constructed.

The resulting prototypes were evaluated against current methods of making and workflows and engaged with experts in the industry. The outcome reveals new economic and aesthetic possibilities for the wide diversity of people requiring lower limb prosthesis whilst enhancing the innovation prospect of service providers.

History

Copyright Date

2021-09-30

Date of Award

2021-09-30

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

CC BY-SA 4.0

Degree Discipline

Industrial Design

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Design Innovation

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

4 EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Design Innovation

Advisors

Guy, Bernard; Fraser, Simon