Development of Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis for Therapeutic Application

In a population of aging with low birth rate, many elderly become bedridden because of their suffering from injuries or diseases that require a long period to heal and rehab. We developed the lowest cost of production while provides the highest performance and reliable prototype. The selective 27 parts were identified and used in this project including the cabling assembly for wiring. The other selective 14 parts are using other polymer materials such Acrylontrile Butadine Styrene (ABS) and Polypropylene. The alpha prototype was produced using FDM (Fuse Deposition Modeling). The model is fabricated by using real scale of (1:1) for the chosen conceptual design. Engineering drawing is the last process in design stage, where the final prototype must be verified as according to requirement and the related problem rise have been solved. The effective cost reduction newly designed DAFO is presented in this study. The functional test was conducted in the laboratory and based on human testify. The performance was good even though the prototype using rapid prototype materials. The controller board also functions as it programmed. The DC motor was performed a job based on signal provide by two (2) limit switch at the bottom part of lower foot. As a conclusion, The development of cost-effective new mechanism of dynamic ankle-foot orthosis was successfully fabricated in this current study. Further evaluation need to be tested accordingly prior to use as important device in rehabilitation therapy.