Adaptation of a Customised Support for a Mechanised Chair
Guille
At Additium3D, we are committed to the well-being of people, and one of the areas where our technology has a more direct impact is in personalised orthopaedics. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on a project that filled us with satisfaction: the case of Pablo, a 28-year-old young man with a disease that affects his mobility and makes him dependent for any movement.
What was Paul's problem?
Pablo needed a solution for his mechanised chair at home, which allowed him to move from one floor to another. The backrest of the chair only reached halfway down his back, leaving his head unsupported, causing insecurity and the need for a family member to support his head when moving around. This situation, in addition to being uncomfortable, implied a potential risk to her well-being.
Maribel, Pablo's mother, commented on the initial problem:
"The problem we had was that as Pablo has no control over his body, when we sat him in the chair, as the backrest only reached this height, the top part, he would move around. So, of course, he was afraid to get down with the chair because his whole body would move. So they were looking for something that would support his head so that he couldn't move anywhere and could get down safely with the chair".
How did Additium3D deal with the situation?
Upon reaching us, the Additium3D team assessed the case and we decided to employ a customised solution using advanced technology. To do this, we used a Scantech iReal 2e scanner to obtain a detailed digital model of Pablo's head and the contours of his chair. This allowed us to design a bracket that not only fit the chair perfectly, but also provided the necessary support for Pablo's head.
Carlos, Additium3D's head of engineering, explained the process:
"After scanning Pablo inside the chair, we adapted a tool to hold his head, taking into account the ears that bothered him in other prototypes and making it bigger on one side than the other, which is the side where he felt he was falling off.
The process involved several phases
3D scanning: We used the iReal 2e scanner to obtain a detailed digital model of Pablo's head and chair.
Reverse engineering: Based on the scan, we created a specific design so that the support would adapt to both Pablo's morphology and the contours of the chair.
3D Printing with SLS Technology: To guarantee the strength and durability of the support, we chose to print it in Nylon 12, a material known for its high rigidity and strength. SLS technology allowed us to create a support without the need for additional structures, ensuring an exceptional final finish and perfect geometric precision for this type of mounting.
Why was Nylon 12 selected?
Nylon 12 was chosen for its stiffness and strength properties, ideal for substrates such as Pablo's. In addition, with SLS technology, it achieves perfect geometric accuracy and an exceptional final finish, crucial for applications that require accuracy in assembly. This material is wear resistant, ensuring that the bracket can be used over the long term without losing its properties.
A safe and secure result from 3D Orthopaedics
The solution was a complete success. Paul can now use his mechanised chair with complete confidence, knowing that his head is fully supported, eliminating the risk and discomfort he previously experienced. Paul did, with his usual grace, the best possible summary:
"Very comfortable and safe. And thanks to Additium3D, very good".
How 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies are revolutionising the field of personalised orthopaedics
This case exemplifies how 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies are revolutionising the field of custom orthotics. At Additium3D, we have succeeded in creating a custom-made brace that solves a specific problem critical to Pablo's quality of life. The combination of our precision scanning capabilities and SLS 3D printing technology has been key to providing an effective, fast and durable solution.
The importance of these technologies lies in their ability to offer solutions that are fully adapted to the needs of each patient. In addition to improving Pablo's life, this methodology can be applied in many other contexts within the medical field, demonstrating that 3D printing not only has industrial applications, but also enormous potential in the field of health and wellness. This personalisation not only increases the functionality of orthopaedic devices, but also improves the confidence and safety of patients in their daily lives.
This project is a clear example of how Additium3D uses technological innovation to solve real problems, improving the autonomy and well-being of those who need it most.
