A validated computational framework to evaluate the stiffness of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses

The purpose of this study was to create and validate a standardized framework for the evaluation of the ankle stiffness of two designs of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The creation of four finite element (FE) models allowed patient-specific quantification of the stiffness and stress distribution over their specific range of motion during the second rocker of the gait. Validation was performed by comparing the model outputs with the results obtained from a dedicated experimental setup, which showed an overall good agreement with a maximum relative error of 10.38% in plantarflexion and 10.66% in dorsiflexion. The combination of advanced computer modelling algorithms and 3D printing techniques clearly shows potential to further improve the manufacturing process of AFOs

A silicon backplane technology for microdisplays

A silicon backplane technology is described for the fabrication of high-resolution microdisplays. The technology is embedded in a 0.7 mum CMOS technology, and comprises DEMOS devices for enabling voltage spans of 12 V, and a special back-end processing module for planarizing the wafer and light shielding. This technology is used to develop a GXGA (2560times2048 pixels) microdisplay with 15 mum pixels on which the first results are reported

Development and clinical evaluation of laser-sintered ankle foot orthoses

Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are traditionally manufactured using vacuum thermoforming as shaping technology. Additive manufacturing has the potential to disruptively change the way these orthopaedic devices are produced. In this study, AFOs are developed which are virtually designed and produced with laser sintering as shaping technology. The mechanical and clinical performances of these laser-sintered AFOs are compared with traditionally manufactured AFO by asking seven patients (both children and adults) to walk with each type of AFO