Objectives
- Enhance mobility and comfort for overweight users experiencing knee and hip strain.
- Reduce load-bearing stress on lower-limb joints through a combination of mechanical leverage and ergonomic alignment.
- Design a lightweight, modular brace system adaptable to different body dimensions and user activity levels.
- Evaluate material performance and mechanical safety through structural simulation and finite element analysis (FEA).
This project is currently in progress and we are still doing market research. I am working on this project with a bioengineering student, reaching out to medical professionals for advice and feedback.
Plans
Design & Methodology
The project will begin with a user needs assessment and ergonomic study to identify design parameters such as joint alignment, force distribution, and range of motion. Using SolidWorks CAD modeling, multiple design iterations will be developed to optimize the frame structure, hinge placement, and comfort padding.
Key considerations will include:
- Selecting lightweight materials (e.g., aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composites).
- Integrating adjustable hinges and torsion springs to assist with motion.
- Ensuring breathable padding and user-specific adjustability for long-term wear.
The design will undergo Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to predict mechanical stresses and optimize geometry before physical prototyping.
Prototyping & Testing
Currently unsure. The aim is to have the prototype fabricated using 3D printing and CNC machining to validate fit, comfort, and load-bearing capability. Controlled tests will evaluate joint stress reduction, motion range, and overall user comfort. User feedback will guide adjustments to brace dimensions, padding thickness, and weight balance.