Structural analysis of generative design applied to ergonomic plantar orthoses

Christian Enrique Nava-Alcantar; Agustín  Vidal-Lesso; Marco Antonio Martínez-Bocanegra; Luis Ángel Ortiz-Lango; Juan Carlos García-Valadez; Sergio Alonso-Romero; Israel Miguel-Andres

doi:10.37636/recit.v9n2e448

Authors

Christian Enrique Nava-Alcantar Posgrado PICYT, Centro de Innovación Aplicada en Tecnologías Competitivas, León 37545, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9892-4785

Competing Interests

None
Agustín Vidal-Lesso Mechanical Engineering Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Salamanca, 36885, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7594-1927

Competing Interests

None
Marco Antonio Martínez-Bocanegra TecNM: Instituto Tecnológico Superior del Sur de Guanajuato, Uriangato, 38982, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4655-9809

Competing Interests

None
Luis Ángel Ortiz-Lango Laboratorio Nacional CONAHCYT en Biomecánica del Cuerpo Humano, CIATEC, León, 37545, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6836-9937

Competing Interests

None
Juan Carlos García-Valadez Laboratorio Nacional CONAHCYT en Biomecánica del Cuerpo Humano, CIATEC, León, 37545, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7045-2831

Competing Interests

None
Sergio Alonso-Romero Dirección de Investigación y Soluciones Tecnológicas, CIATEC, León, 37545, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6469-0408

Competing Interests

None
Israel Miguel-Andres Laboratorio Nacional CONAHCYT en Biomecánica del Cuerpo Humano, CIATEC, León, 37545, Guanajuato, México. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9433-7864

Competing Interests

No

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v9n2e448

Keywords:

Finite element analysis, Generative design, Ergonomics, Elastomeric materials

Abstract

Plantar orthoses are devices designed to provide support and correct the biomechanics of the foot. Generative design offers ample potential for personalization; however, the analysis of its structural behavior continues to be a significant challenge. This research aims to evaluate the structural optimization of orthoses designed by generative design compared to traditional models. An analysis of 33 middle-aged adult men classified as normal weight, with an average weight of 65.32 ± 6.79 kg, was performed using a baropodometric database. An optimized orthosis was designed by parametric modeling to evaluate its mechanical response in static standing conditions, using the finite element method with the TPU A95 material. The results indicated that the trabecular structures produced by generative design absorb more energy (0.3876 J) than a bilaminated orthosis made with EVA A40 and A15 materials (0.0362 J). The levels of deformation obtained (maximum principal strain = 1.34%, equivalent elastic strain = 2.14%) indicate that the composition of the generative model works well within the elastic regime, ensuring structural integrity. However, the low strain and strain energy values suggest relatively rigid behavior, which can limit the shock absorption capacity. The main contribution of this work is to demonstrate how generative design can be integrated into methodologies for designing plantar orthotics. It explores the potential benefits of this approach and examines how generative design parameters influence mechanical responses. This research provides a technical foundation for optimizing ergonomic orthoses through generative design and structural modeling. The findings emphasize the potential of generative design in creating optimized orthoses and highlight the significance of design parameters on the outcomes achieved. This insight is valuable for future applications of generative design in the field of ergonomics.

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