Design and Analysis of Polymer Composite based Lightweight Caliper for Locomotor Disabilities

Abstract

Increasing population has led to numerous disabilities and one such disability which should be taken into account is related to human gait. Locomotor patients mainly suffer from this kind of disability due to which their muscles get weakened and they are unable to walk properly. The locomotor disabilities patients require an assistive device with the help of which they can walk without any difficulties and the appliance acts as an aid for the correct positioning of their joints. Recently, developments of high strength aluminum alloy based calipers are used, but still patients urge for better comfort and design. The requirement apart from more strength and stiffness, durability at cost effectiveness, eco friendly along with light weight. Composite materials are one such material which provides less weight to volume ratio, high strength and stiffness with cost effectiveness. The present study is to compare the mechanical properties of presently used aluminum calipers with jute/unsaturated polyester composite based on CAD. The study reveals that unsaturated polyester based matrix materials will provide the generous strength and firmness when compared to presently used aluminum based calipers and model designed on CAD tools. Hence, the usage of the composite material will understand the researchers to design modified orthotic calipers which will have higher strength at a lower weight and low cost.  

Keywords: Locomotor disabilities, Assistive technology, CAD model, Simulation.