scholarly journals Generative Design for Additively Manufactured Textiles in Orthopaedic Applications

Author(s):  
V. Ricotta ◽  
R. Ian Campbell ◽  
T. Ingrassia ◽  
V. Nigrelli

AbstractThe aim of this work is to implement a new process for the design and production of orthopaedic devices to realize entirely by Additive Manufacturing (AM). In particular, a generative algorithm for parametric modelling of flexible structures to use in orthopaedic devices has been developed. The developed modelling algorithm has been applied to a case study based on the design and production of a customized elbow orthosis made by Selective Laser Sintering. The results obtained have demonstrated that the developed algorithm overcomes many drawbacks typical of traditional CAD modelling approaches. FEM simulations have been also performed to validate the design of the orthosis. The new modelling algorithm allows designers to model flexible structures with no deformations or mismatches and to create parametric CAD models to use for the production of orthopaedic devices through AM technologies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Ricotta ◽  
Robert Ian Campbell ◽  
Tommaso Ingrassia ◽  
Vincenzo Nigrelli

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to implement a new process aimed at the design and production of orthopaedic devices fully manufacturable by additive manufacturing (AM). In this context, the use of generative algorithms for parametric modelling of additively manufactured textiles (AMTs) also has been investigated, and new modelling solutions have been proposed. Design/methodology/approach A new method for the design of customised elbow orthoses has been implemented. In particular, to better customise the elbow orthosis, a generative algorithm for parametric modelling and creation of a flexible structure, typical of an AMT, has been developed. Findings To test the developed modelling algorithm, a case study based on the design and production of an elbow orthosis made by selective laser sintering was investigated. The obtained results have demonstrated that the implemented algorithm overcomes many drawbacks typical of the traditional computer aided design (CAD) modelling approaches. The parametric CAD model of the orthosis obtained through the new approach is characterised by a flexible structure with no deformations or mismatches and has been effectively used to produce the prototype through AM technologies. Originality/value The obtained results present innovative elements of originality in the CAD modelling sector, which can contribute to solving problems related to modelling for AM in different application fields.


Author(s):  
Mirette Dubé ◽  
Jason Laberge ◽  
Elaine Sigalet ◽  
Jonas Shultz ◽  
Christine Vis ◽  
...  

Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide a case study example of the preopening phase of an interventional trauma operating room (ITOR) using systems-focused simulation and human factor evaluations for healthcare environment commissioning. Background: Systems-focused simulation, underpinned by human factors science, is increasingly being used as a quality improvement tool to test and evaluate healthcare spaces with the stakeholders that use them. Purposeful real-to-life simulated events are rehearsed to allow healthcare teams opportunity to identify what is working well and what needs improvement within the work system such as tasks, environments, and processes that support the delivery of healthcare services. This project highlights salient evaluation objectives and methods used within the clinical commissioning phase of one of the first ITORs in Canada. Methods: A multistaged evaluation project to support clinical commissioning was facilitated engaging 24 stakeholder groups. Key evaluation objectives highlighted include the evaluation of two transport routes, switching of operating room (OR) tabletops, the use of the C-arm, and timely access to lead in the OR. Multiple evaluation methods were used including observation, debriefing, time-based metrics, distance wheel metrics, equipment adjustment counts, and other transport route considerations. Results: The evaluation resulted in several types of data that allowed for informed decision making for the most effective, efficient, and safest transport route for an exsanguinating trauma patient and healthcare team; improved efficiencies in use of the C-arm, significantly reduced the time to access lead; and uncovered a new process for switching OR tabletop due to safety threats identified.


Author(s):  
Joshua Grose ◽  
Obehi G. Dibua ◽  
Dipankar Behera ◽  
Chee S. Foong ◽  
Michael Cullinan

Abstract Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies are often restricted by the minimum feature size of parts they can repeatably build. The microscale selective laser sintering (μ-SLS) process, which is capable of producing single micron resolution parts, addresses this issue directly. However, the unwanted dissipation of heat within the powder bed of a μ-SLS device during laser sintering is a primary source of error that limits the minimum feature size of the producible parts. A particle scale thermal model is needed to characterize the thermal properties of the nanoparticles undergoing sintering and allow for the prediction of heat affected zones (HAZ) and the improvement of final part quality. Thus, this paper presents a method for the determination of the effective thermal conductivity of metal nanoparticle beds in a microscale selective laser sintering process using finite element simulations in ANSYS. CAD models of nanoparticle groups at various timesteps during sintering are developed from Phase Field Modeling (PFM) output data, and steady state thermal simulations are performed on each group. The complete simulation framework developed in this work is adaptable to particle groups of variable sizes and geometric arrangements. Results from the thermal models are used to estimate the thermal conductivity of the copper nanoparticles as a function of sintering duration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-362
Author(s):  
Yong Ji ◽  
Gaoming Jiang ◽  
Honglian Cong

Abstract This study uses sustainable development theory to analyze China’s garment industry, which has been under pressure of high energy consumption, excess capacity and environmental pollution. The purpose of this work is to explore customized platform effectiveness on fashion design and production by the integration of clothing ceo-design (CED) and clothing life cycle evaluation. By cooperation and data analyses, garment companies come into being, which provides information for the study on customized platform effectiveness. Meanwhile, this paper begins with addressing the potential problems for fashion design, production and inventory management, making a distinction between garment virtual design (GVD)and personalized garment customization (PGC) and suggesting a useful computer-aided approach for fashion design and production process. The data and information were gathered from garment companies in China. This work presents the findings from case study research into sustainable improvements for fashion design and production in the garment industry; in this way, the level of customized platform may be compared and analyzed, which is a significant growth point of sustainable improvements for this research and practice domain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Best ◽  
Alex Berland ◽  
Trisha Greenhalgh ◽  
Ivy L. Bourgeault ◽  
Jessie E. Saul ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the World Health Organization’s Global Healthcare Workforce Alliance (GHWA). Based on a commissioned evaluation of GHWA, it applies network theory and key concepts from systems thinking to explore network emergence, effectiveness, and evolution to over a ten-year period. The research was designed to provide high-level strategic guidance for further evolution of global governance in human resources for health (HRH). Design/methodology/approach Methods included a review of published literature on HRH governance and current practice in the field and an in-depth case study whose main data sources were relevant GHWA background documents and key informant interviews with GHWA leaders, staff, and stakeholders. Sampling was purposive and at a senior level, focusing on board members, executive directors, funders, and academics. Data were analyzed thematically with reference to systems theory and Shiffman’s theory of network development. Findings Five key lessons emerged: effective management and leadership are critical; networks need to balance “tight” and “loose” approaches to their structure and processes; an active communication strategy is key to create and maintain support; the goals, priorities, and membership must be carefully focused; and the network needs to support shared measurement of progress on agreed-upon goals. Shiffman’s middle-range network theory is a useful tool when guided by the principles of complex systems that illuminate dynamic situations and shifting interests as global alliances evolve. Research limitations/implications This study was implemented at the end of the ten-year funding cycle. A more continuous evaluation throughout the term would have provided richer understanding of issues. Experience and perspectives at the country level were not assessed. Practical implications Design and management of large, complex networks requires ongoing attention to key issues like leadership, and flexible structures and processes to accommodate the dynamic reality of these networks. Originality/value This case study builds on growing interest in the role of networks to foster large-scale change. The particular value rests on the longitudinal perspective on the evolution of a large, complex global network, and the use of theory to guide understanding.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-154
Author(s):  
Ruding Lou ◽  
Jean-Philippe Pernot ◽  
Franca Giannini ◽  
Philippe Veron ◽  
Bianca Falcidieno

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set up a new framework to enable direct modifications of volume meshes enriched with semantic information associated to multiple partitions. An instance of filleting operator is prototyped under this framework and presented in the paper. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, a generic mesh modification operator has been designed and a new instance of this operator for filleting finite element (FE) sharp edges of tetrahedral multi-partitioned meshes is also pro-posed. The filleting operator works in two main steps. The outer skin of the tetrahedral mesh is first deformed to round user-specified sharp edges while satisfying constraints relative to the shape of the so-called Virtual Group Boundaries. Then, in the filleting area, the positions of the inner nodes are relaxed to improve the aspect ratio of the mesh elements. Findings – The classical mainstream methodology for product behaviour optimization involves the repetition of four steps: CAD modelling, meshing of CAD models, enrichment of models with FE simulation semantics and FEA. This paper highlights how this methodology could be simplified by two steps: simulation model modification and FEA. The authors set up a new framework to enable direct modifications of volume meshes enriched with semantic information associated to multiple partitions and the corresponding fillet operator is devised. Research limitations/implications – The proposed framework shows only a paradigm of direct modifications of semantic enriched meshes. It could be further more improved by adding or changing the modules inside. The fillet operator does not take into account the exact radius imposed by user. With this proposed fillet operator the mesh element density may not be enough high to obtain wished smoothness. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified industry need to speed up the product behaviour analysis process by directly modifying the simulation semantic enriched meshes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. Sobota

<p><br clear="none"/></p><p>During the optioneering phase, engineers face the challenge of choosing between myriads of possible designs, while, simultaneously, several sorts of constraints have to be considered. We show in a case study of a 380 m long viaduct how parametric modelling can facilitate the design process. The main challenge was to satisfy the constraints imposed by several different stakeholders. In order to identify sustainable, aesthetic, economic as well as structurally efficient options, we assessed several key performance indicators in real time. By automatically estimating steel and concrete volumes, a simple, yet suitable approximation of the embodied carbon (considering 85-95%) can be obtained at a very early design stage. In summary, our parametric approach allowed us to consider a wider range of parameters and to react more flexibly to changing conditions during the project.</p><p><br clear="none"/></p>


Author(s):  
Inês Veiga Pereira ◽  
Patricia Oliveira Faria ◽  
Amélia Maria Pinto da Cunha Brandão

Healthcare services, in particular, are one of the areas in which Lean can be applied and benefits can be reached through it. In order to analyze the suitability of Lean implementation in healthcare units, this research focused on a case study, namely in Hospital of Santo António emergency area, in the city of Porto, Portugal. The study was conducted in the year 2020, during the pandemic of COVID-19, which forced the change of screening processes. This research analyses and compares the new and previous sorting model and discusses if Lean methodology was applied. It was concluded, through data collected in the interview to the leading nurse, that despite de fact she is not familiar with the Lean concept and methodology, as process simplification and time reduction were taken into account, the new process can be considered Lean. The flow charts that reflect both the sorting structure used in the urgencies before and after were developed. Hospital culture, lack of communication before the new process implementation, and the facilities were some of the identified barriers.


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