3D Animal Brace

grabcad

On Vectary, we designed a prototype that can be used to help dogs who experience bone breakages. Humans have access to all sorts of casts and splints, but our pets don’t have cheap options like such. When a bone breaks, it is extremely important the bone is kept stable. Furthermore, in reality, most pet owners are not willing to spend thousands of dollars when their pet is injured. To compensate, we have drafted a blueprint for a splint that we plan to print using plastic parts from a 3D printer. The splint consists of three bars held together by another strip that runs across the middle. Velcro strips allows for tightening of the device and easy removal. We have attached a photo to help visualize the splint. Currently. we are experimenting with different materials to bind the device to the dog at the joints. Our Vectary model was one the first attempts. After experimentation on AutoDesk, a much more professional tool, an updated model has been made. Various ideas including arching the brace to allow this device to repair joints have been tested. The updated model is now fully printed and has been tested on domestic dogs (family pets) to see if it would restrict movement, cause irritation, and remain durable. In addition, we are working with different sizes and potentially more elastic models that will allow for more mobility for more of a “one-size-fit-all” model. The far-reaching effects of this will allow pet owners to help pets at a reasonable cost while using new technology to advance the biomedical field.