A student at Massey University of New Zealand created a custom KAFO, the Leg-Up, for his final-year industrial design project. George Philp, now a Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts Bachelor of Design with Honours alumnus, chose to study design due to his love for making things and a desire to help people.
The Leg-Up KAFO mitigates issues of usability and proximity to orthotic support through an integrated development strategy dealing with product features, performance, elevated levels of usability and design, customization, and access to and speed of fitment and delivery, including digital tools and fabrication technologies.
Perforations in support components ensure breathability and reduce weight. The design includes an off-center cam and hook latch with interchangeable strapping to provide secure location to the limb. Boa-type ratchet buckles allow for individual adjustment for comfort.
The design is sent to additive manufacture for the main component builds, and the components are returned to the orthotics service for assembly. Fit trials and initial assessment can be done online or with local medical providers.
As a systems product, the Leg-Up can be readily serviced, updated for changing leg shape over time, and can have aesthetic features updated to the client’s requirements.
“The gold standard of mobility is the wheelchair. On the surface it provides low energy input, diverse acceptance, relatively fast transportation and an existing infrastructure of understanding and acceptance,” said George. “From the user’s perspective it’s not as easy, as it requires a degree of skill and practice to navigate the public domain. Gutters and steps are often impassable or discriminatory.
“The world is set up for standing interactions and navigation. For those who don’t have full use of their legs, being able to stand up has significant advantages, including being able to use public transport and facilities, navigate the built environment, socialize naturally, talk eye to eye, and give or receive standing hugs.”
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by Massey University of New Zealand.
