Projects
Design and Manufacture of Bioinspired Pressure-Controlled Injury Assistance Device
Insect wings were investigated and found to exhibit intricate folding patterns, featuring double-layer membranes functioning as hinge-like structures. The actuation is theorised to be pressure-controlled enabling folding and unfolding. These patterns were compared to Origami structures and applied to the development of deployable structures. The employment of pneumatic McKibben Artificial Muscle tested the hypothesis behind insect wing’s actuation mechanics, containing completely replaceable parts and easy design assembly. The insights were applied to the development of a wrist injury pressure-controlled dynamic splint, allowing the stiffness of the device to be adjusted using air pressure based on the severity of the injury. The modular design allows easy replacement if necessary, and the dynamic system allows concurrent use with physiotherapy, assisting on faster recovery. The splint was fabricated using thermoplastics and FDM 3D printing. Neoprene was chosen for high breathability and EVA foam to increase stiffness whilst maintaining lighter weight.