Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of a Human Knee Orthotic Device

In order to improve the quality of human walking, the present paper is analyzing a 3D virtual model for an orthotic device which is subjected to an optimization process based on dimensional, geometric and material criteria. For geometric modeling of the human knee joint were used the embedded applications: DesignModeler, SpaceClaim under AnsysWorkbench software package and for the orthotic device it was used ProEngineer application. The orthotic device is designed to rehabilitate people with knee problems, especially for the osteoarthritis affection. The geometric model of the joint shows a 50tilt invarus, the joint beeing affected by osteoarthritis in the medial compartment. Using Ansys simulation environment, the virtual assembly joint orthois has been subjected to a nonlinear analysis based on the contacts and on the materials used. The proposed orthotic device seeks to improve the quality of walking by minimizing the loads from the knee joint, also on cartilage and on the menisci. Finally there are beeing compared the results obtained for normal knee, OA knee and OA knee-orthosis assemblies.