Optimization of flexible dorsiflexion assists orthotic ankle joint design for ease of customization and load ability through finite element analysis simulation.

The flexible ankle joint dorsiflexion assists orthotic component is one of the components in the jointed ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) which is used to assist patients with drop foot abnormalities. The total cost of fabricating the jointed AFO is still expensive because there is no local manufacturer for this flexible joint component, so they are still switching to imported components. Reverse engineering is carried out on the most widely used imported components so that they can be redesigned and manufactured with 3D printing technology. Design optimization begins with finite element analysis to observe material and given dorsiflexor moments of the component. Furthermore, a design of geometric shapes that can be modified is built so that: (1) can adjust the magnitude of the given dorsiflexor moment and (2) adjust to the material used during 3D printing fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]