Design and Development of a Reconfigurable Surface Prototype for Orthotics Posture Correction

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and development of a proof-of-concept prototype for a digitally reconfigurable surface for orthotic posture correction. To design an effective proof-of-concept, research was conducted to determine the components of an effective and practical design. After research, the development of the design consisted of building a proof-of-concept prototype and integrating it with a digital-user-interface via the use of Arduino and the Arduino environment on a personal computer. The proof-of-concept prototype allows for an array of nine shafts to be moved up or down via user input. It was successfully demonstrated for our orthotics specialist and TCU faculty and staff at the College of Science and Engineering Student Research Symposium. This research provides information and designs that will further supplement and inspire future developments of reconfigurable surfaces as well as production of custom orthotics.