A customizable, re-usable, recyclable ankle-foot orthotic design concept for muscular dystrophy patients under 20.
Long description
A modular ankle-foot orthotic design concept for muscular dystrophy patients under 20, that allows for a) one product to cater for patients with fast bodily changes over many years, b) a re-use scheme for the product and c) easy disassembly and recycling at the product’s end of life.
Families with dystrophy patients struggle to access assistive products/orthotics that fit their patients who have dynamic growth and body changes at a young age. Repeatedly rebuying new products as the patient goes through age/condition related body changes is neither cost effective or sustainable.
The assembled design features a modular spine that holds a calf and a foot cast thermoformed for each user. The spine and bracket pieces holding the casts are a one time purchase, whereas the casts can be reformed/reprinted as the patient gets older or goes through other condition-related body changes.
The device can be completely disassembled, allowing for worn out components to be simply replaced. This not only eases maintenance, but also increases the lifetime of the product. At the products end of life for the first user, it can be brought back to the company that would have a donation scheme, in which they would replace parts of the product that is worn out and give it/resell cheaper to a family who can not afford one.
Each part is made up of 1 material component, allowing them to be easily taken apart and recycled effectively with no permeant fixture/glues involved.
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