Objective
A CAD/CAM system for the design and manufacture of customised insoles is being developed. This development comes at a time when there is increased awareness of the user's needs: a number of surveys have identified that users (foot patients) are dissatisfied with the quality of orthotic footwear. The three main problems are the quality of the fit of the shoes, the time taken to provide them, and the cosmetic apprearance of the shoes. This development helps with all three.
The CAD/CAM system will comprise three components:
An apparatus for the measurement of the compliance and shape of the plantar surface of the foot. It will consist of a platform on which the patient stands, such that the shape of the sole of the foot can be measured. At the same time, by applying a known pressure to the foot, its compliance can be determined. The collected data are input for the second component.
A computer program for the manipulation of the data and the design of an insole. This is the computer aided design (CAD) software, that will design from the measured data the insole. Also it will manage all recorded data for the patient, for future reference. The software will run on a standard desktop computer. The computerized design of the insole is fed into the third component.
An apparatus for the rapid, economical manufacture of insoles. This is the computer aided manufacturing part (CAM), which probably consists of a carving machine, that can shape appropriate raw material into the insole form calculated by the CAD program.
The insole is such that it can be fitted into modern orthopaedic shoes that have an attractive appearance.
This project represents the first phase of the development and each will be taken to the prototype stage. Development of the system will be based on and evaluated by clinical trials with volunteer patients. When completed the system will be a powerful tool for the design and production of customised insoles. It will have a major impact on the provision of specialised footwear and will have benefits to the patient and the orthotist in the following ways:
From the orthotist's point of view it will greatly streamline the provision of footwear. All data will be stored as computer records without the need to physically store moulds and shoe lasts. A new approach to the provision of insoles will be possible, with the orthotist able to examine the complete history of a patient's footwear and to approach the design of new items in a more structured and logical way, with complete access to the details of previous fittings. The adjustability provided by a CADCAM system means that various insole patterns can be rapidly produced, tried and further changed, leading to a logical step-by-step approach to the process of providing customised footwear.
From the patient's point of view the system will mean that insoles can be produced rapidly, usually during a single visit, and that repeat prescriptions of insoles can be provided in a matter of minutes. The fact that the insole can be made, fitted and adjusted during a single visit will improve the chances of it being a satisfactory fit. It should then be more comfortable and more effective in eliminating or preventing further problems. The patient will benefit by greater relief from pain, and increased mobility and independence.
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Programme(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Coordinator
WC1E 7J London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.