emBracing Compliance: A Dynamic Orthotic Brace for Pectus Carinatum using Compliant Mechanisms and Additive Manufacturing
Research Poster Engineering 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Sumant Dilip Rokade
Exhibition Number 36
Abstract
Pectus Carinatum is a growth defect that causes the sternum to protrude outside the chest wall. The treatment has evolved from surgical corrections to non-surgical wearable devices. These orthotic braces compress the deformity into a normal position as an effect of the softness of bones in pediatric patients. This treatment has certain drawbacks due to the rigid design of the brace. To avoid the drawbacks of the current treatment, this research proposes to introduce an improved standard of care. We aim to introduce a compliant constant-force mechanism (CCFM) that will provide flexibility to the brace in its current rigid design. One of the potential solutions explored in this work is the use of the pseudo-rigid body model of slider crank mechanisms. A mathematical model capable of calculating the force in the system is proposed. The results obtained from the mathematical model are verified through finite element analysis and experimental methods. Additive Manufacturing is used as the primary manufacturing method for the mechanisms. The principles of design for additive manufacturing will allow for complex design opportunities such as mass customization.
Importance
The broad impact of this research is to improve the rate of treatment of Pectus Carinatum patients. The rate of attrition in pediatric patients is approximately 20% due to various factors revolving around the discomfort caused by the brace. While this may seem like an insignificant number, the severe discomfort caused by the brace can be resolved by applying this research. In the long run, this could benefit several other forms of treatment that use orthotic braces such as scoliosis. From a mechanical engineering standpoint, the application of the mathematical models found in this study can also be extended to other fields outside biomedical devices such as precision manipulation systems in robotics, space, and aircraft design.