Evaluation of ankle foot orthosis using experimental and computational methods (AFO)

Abstract

The human ankle, which supports the rest of the body, is the most important part of the body. A device known as an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) stretches from the knee to the heel and supports the ankle and foot areas. AFO is utilized to control instability in the lower limb of the human body by maintaining precise ankle alignment and controlling body motion.The first component of this study focuses on creating an ankle foot template mould using 3D printing, and the second aspect deals with creating an actual ankle foot orthosis (AFO) model out of glass fibre for those who have partially lost a foot due to diabetes, war veterans, or vascular deficiencies. In the designing phase, various loading conditions were applied to the real Ankle Foot Orthosis made. The model was designed using Unigraphics in the second aspect, and it was analysed using ANSYS 16.0. The load was applied to the foot portion, and the heel was fixed, because the foot was thought of as partially severed. Using Ansys analysis finder software, the deformation on the heel and toe were evaluated and measured. For 200 N and 600 N loads, the deformation was measured at the toe and heel. Analytical deformation were found to be positive. For those who have had their feet amputated, the AFO model consisting of glass fibre aids in the restoration of their natural gait cycle. In the present study, it was discussed how inexpensively and quickly an orthosis may be produced in a developing nation.