Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2019

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Dr. Craig Johnosn

Second Committee Member

Dr. John Choi

Third Committee Member

Professor Charles Pringle

Abstract

Across the United States there are people every day who lose their toes to diabetes or to loss of circulation within their legs. The problem becomes building a more cost effective and efficient prosthetic for these individuals. The prosthetics that are used for medical purposes are often costly, especially without the help of insurance. The new prosthetic was designed to be taken in and out of shoes so that it is fast and easy for the user to move the device from shoe to shoe. The manufacturing method for this project was using a 3D printer to build the initial project. The 3D printed material was the most cost effective and would be cheaper than a molding or casting process for the prototype. 3D printing also provides the ability to prototype more than one copy in a short amount of time. The testing involved hardness and impact tests as well as various stress tests. These are used to simulate everyday stress on the prosthetic when someone is walking or running into objects. The results from these tests showed the prosthetic can withstand a 220 pound force stepping onto it. The insert can also withstand an impact force of 20 pounds. Both of these forces fall within the requirements, which were having the device withstand a weight of 200 pounds, withstand a kicking force of 20 pounds, and be under a weight of 2 pounds.

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