Smart splint for diagnosis during initial stage of treatment

[EN]Nowadays, after suffering certain musculoskeletal rupture injuries, the only treatment available is the use of plaster cast. However, this type of treatment, that is similar to the used originally by the Persians in the 10th century, has some disadvantages, that are still present nowadays. It usually causes discomfort due to the weight (around 1,5kg) and the restrictions to refresh the skin. Moreover, it is not submersible and it is not possible to apply certain kind of treatments, like ultrasounds or infrared. It also may appear complications at the vascular, muscular or even articular level due to these problems.This project aims to show there is a really possible option that would solve these inconvenient. Moreover, it would allow a faster and better recovery, combining 3D prototyping, 3D scanning, medicine, engineering and materials evolution. This study proposes the use of sensor integration inside the splints to detect any kind of problem during the treatment process. These sensors get different data like pressure, color, humidity and temperature from the splint. After that, these parameters are analyzed to determine any unexpected evolution and sent by telematic channels to be consulted remotely by a specialist

Real time analysis of the filament for FDM 3D printers

[EN]This project raises the need to develop a quality control system for manufacturing processes by melt deposition. The main problem with this technology is that, if the environmental parameters are not sufficiently controlled, inaccuracy is created between the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the product. This causes that the pieces do not meet the requirements for the market since they cannot guarantee a unified performance. For this purpose, a proof of concept that implements the necessary sensors in a testing machine will be carried out. The sensors will collect the measurements by means of an Arduino microcontroller. The obtained information will be processed in order to make the reports that indicate if the manufacturing process meets the expected requirements. With this system it is possible to improve the manufacturing results by melted deposition and to assure quality standards. In the future, the system could be improved according to the quality parameters required by the ISO standards for printing filaments and also used to certify them. Considering all the aforementioned, this is undoubtedly a field of research that still has much to develop and it is expected that this work will be a contribution for future research