Implementation and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Prototype Fixed Suspension Foot Prosthesis Built in Additive Printing

Almonte A.J.; Cansaya C.E.; Flores E.V.; Silva Y.L.; Medina N.O.; Corrales P.A. · International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research (2025) · DOI: 10.18178/ijmerr.14.1.39-47

Resumen

In this study, a novel design for a foot prosthesis was developed and implemented using additive printing to reduce manufacturing costs. The design methodology was based on an iteration of designs resulting from a topological analysis by software and considerations of several printing patterns, including hexagonal, porous, and tube-shaped patterns, were considered. The result obtained was a new foot prosthesis with a low implementation cost of approximately 30 US dollars, a dorsiflexion deformation of 30.90 mm, and a maximum plantarflexion deformation of 7.476 mm maximum. Evaluations were also performed in a real environment using a press-type test bench, where it was determined that the highest load supported by the foot prosthesis was 676 kg before the breaking point. This new foot prosthesis made by additive printing using the material, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), demonstrates optimal characteristics for daily use and allows it to be acquired or manufactured in low-income countries because of its low construction cost.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa