Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
12-7-2018
Year of Publication
2018
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Document Type
Master's Thesis
College
Engineering
Department/School/Program
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Lyndon Scott Stephens
Abstract
This thesis proposes an algorithm that determine the geometry of 3D-printed, custom-designed spring element bands made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for use in a wearable orthotic device to aid in the physical therapy of a human hand exhibiting spasticity after stroke. Each finger of the hand is modeled as a mechanical system consisting of a triple-rod pendulum with nonlinear stiffness at each joint and forces applied at the attachment point of each flexor muscle. The system is assumed quasi-static, which leads to a torque balance between the flexor tendons in the hand, joint stiffness and the design force applied to the fingertip by the 3D-printed spring element. To better understand material properties of the spring element’s material, several tests are performed on TPE specimens printed with different infill geometries, including tensile tests and cyclic loading tests. The data and stress-strain curves for each geometry type are presented, which yield a nonlinear relationship between stress and strain as well as apparent hysteresis. Polynomial curves are used to fit the data, which allows for the band geometry to be designed. A hypothetical hand is presented along with how input measurements might be taken for the algorithm. The inputs are entered into the algorithm, and the geometry of the bands for each finger are generated. Results are discussed, and future work is noted, providing a means for the design of a customized orthotic device.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2018.466
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Kevin Thomas, "DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A 3D-PRINTED, THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER (TPE) SPRING ELEMENT FOR USE IN CORRECTIVE HAND ORTHOTICS" (2018). Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical Engineering. 127.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/me_etds/127
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Biomechanical Engineering Commons, Biomechanics and Biotransport Commons, Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation Commons, Kinesiotherapy Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons, Orthotics and Prosthetics Commons, Physiotherapy Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Systems and Integrative Engineering Commons, Translational Medical Research Commons
