BABYSTEPS
A STUDY FOR CLUBFOOT BABIES
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Babysteps is a whole design project that aims to propose a better alternative to the current plaster treatment (Ponseti method) used to cure Clubfoot babies. Clubfoot babies are struck by a deformity of the ankle, which occurs in about ten cases per 10,000 newborns in Europe. Even if it is effective, the plaster treatments fails to apply a constant pressure on the babies' foot and reveals itself to be impractical in daily situations like bath time.
A comprehensive functional analysis was led and over 10 concepts were retained to obtain the final design. This solution was designed using the CAD software SolidWorks (the 3D model can be found below).
The project was developed within the framework of the course "Integrative design of Biomedical products" and the subject is related to research within the University of Twente of R.B. Giesberts MCs., who was also the supervisor of this study.
DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS
PROCESS
This project was led following the Integrative Design method for biomedical products. An engineering/design methodology that aims to harmonise works from both discipline.
It consists in an Analysis phase, 3 Synthesis phases and a Use phase. Through this process, more than 10 pre-concepts are exposed and 3 final concepts are retained which lead to the final prototype. This prototype is then tested during the use phase. All the project methodology is closely entwined with the necessity to respect sterilisation standards and eventually patents creation.
My work consisted in ensuring that the Design methodology was followed by each team members. As a mechanical engineer, I also worked on the 3D CAD model of the orthosis. Eventually, I worked on the Finite Element Analysis of the prototype trying to ensure its mechanical functionality. Yet, such product is complex to analyze with FEM and appeared to be out of the scope of this project.
