A fuzzy QFD approach to implement reverse engineering in prosthetic socket development

Abstract

This paper presents a fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) tool to identify the critical design parameters to satisfy the users of prosthetic sockets. The tailor made socket is considered as an element of major importance in the development of prosthesis. Based on the results of the QFD analysis, the most important parameter identified as the ‘manufacturing process’ and possible improvements in it is explored. A comparative analysis between conventional and reverse engineering (RE)-based design and development of sockets used in artificial limbs is conducted using the real data from users. The paper reports the shortcomings of the conventional method of preparation of sockets in the small scale industries and proposes the replacement of it by the CAD/CAM and reverse engineering. Five manufacturers involved in the fabrication of the prosthetic sockets and their thirty five users are surveyed for developing the fuzzy QFD. The study may serve to highlight the needs of the users in order to adopt a manufacturing practice to achieve user satisfaction and manufacturing excellence.