No.2（1999）19.Optimization of supporter configuration for ankle joint disease

Tomihiko OOKUBO, Takahiro TANAKA and Takehiko SUGA

To optimize the supporter configuration for ankle joint disease, a technique using the contact analysis of a CAE system was investigated. This technique was based on the thickness distribution of the supporter plate, i.e. the extention of contact area and the reinforcement of bending stiffness were accomplished in this system at the same time. The results obtained by this system are shown as follows:

1. The contact began from 3 parts of the thenar region, the plantar arch region and the side of heel region. Inverse deformation of the supporter in the rotating direction occured.
2. The adequency of the normal stiffness and analysis method were confirmed by qualitative agreement of the experimental values and the analytical values.
3. The direction of the new supporter configuration was suggested by the thin side plate of the thenar and heel region, and the thick side plate of the ankle joint longitudinal axis.

Keywords
Ankle joint, Supporter configuration, Contact analysis, Optimization, CAE analysis, FEM, Finite element method

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