The development and early results of a new solution for an orthopedic footwear stirrup is presented throughout this work. In the sequel of this process, the most common biomedical orthotic solutions for low limbs are revisited. Subsequently, the conceptual design of a new solution of an orthopedic footwear stirrup is presented and discussed. This procedure starts with the identification and full characterization of the problem at hand. Then, several stirrup conceptual models are presented, analyzed and compared with the purpose to find the best solution for the stirrup. After this task, a computational analysis is performed in order to assess the dynamic response of the solution adopted. This task is carried out by utilizing a commercial software based on the finite element method. Finally, after the selection of the different materials and manufacturing processes, the functional physical prototype is built, incorporated and tested in an actual orthopedic footwear.

The main aim of this work is present the development and early results of a new solution for an orthopedic footwear stirrup. For this purpose, conventional solutions are briefly characterized in order to identify the main causes for their frequent failure. This task also allows for the identification of the list the principal criteria to be considered in the design process of the new geometric configuration, namely, aspects related to functionality, flexibility and durability. In addition, a biomechanical analysis is performed with the intent to typify the main variables associated with the human gait, such as the developed loads. Then, computational simulations, based on the finite element approach, are performed to test the several options considered that permits the quantification of the level of stresses developed and, consequently, the selection of the best solution. The obtained results showed that the new geometric solution is feasible with a light foot stirrup. The performance of the stirrup model proposed is analysed in light of the assumptions and procedure adopted in this work, being the early results quite satisfactory in terms of comfort and durability.

The main purpose of the present work is to improve the comfort, in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis, applying new materials and new finishing. The most important aspects associated with the performance of this type of footwear are taken in consideration, namely, comfort, ergonomics, materials with breathable properties and capability to reduce odours. This desideratum will be reached through the selection and application of advanced materials, such, breathable membranes and fabric finished with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria treatments. In this work, midsole water release parameters were evaluated, as tensile strength, water vapour permeability, resistance of fabric to penetration by water were determined for the hydrophilic membranes. A new lining with breathable membrane and anti-odour finishing has been developed and tested. Water vapour permeability of the new lining was compared with a commercial leather lining, commercial lining with breathable membrane AquaStopT, breathable membrane and weave fabric. The possibility to use a laminated fabrics with a hydrophilic breathable membrane, associate with anti-odour finishing’s, for lining proposes has been demonstrated.

The main purpose of this work is to apply new materials and new finishing to improve comfort in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis. This desideratum will be reached through the selection and application of advanced materials, such, breathables membranes and fabric finished with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria treatments. In this work, water vapor permeability was evaluated to determine the transport property of water vapor produced by transpiration of the skin. A new lining with breathable membrane and anti-odour finishing has been developed and tested. Water vapor permeability of the new lining was compared with a commercial leather lining, commercial lining with breathable membrane - AquaStopT, breathable membrane and weave fabric. The possibility to use fabrics with anti-odour finishing’s, laminated with a hydrophilic breathable membrane, for lining proposes has been demonstrated. Application of membranes with weave fabric by lamination decreases the breathability of materials, nevertheless, the lining with hydrophilic (LF) membrane and the leather’s lining have similar values for water vapor permeability, with the advantage that LF is impermeable.

This paper concerns the development of a new approach for orthopaedic footwear to apply in KAFO orthosis (acronym for Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis). This procedure starts with full characterization of the problem with the purpose to characterize a plantar of a patient’s foot with polio. A 3D Scanner was used to collect their feet's data to produce an anatomic insole. After this step, the patient performs a study of his gait using a static and dynamic study with the aim of characterizing the parameters to improve quality in the footwear. The insole was produced using a 3D printing technology. It was essential to optimize manufacturing processes and it was developed a footwear prototype with innovative characteristics, which is 25% lighter, allowing the user to consume less energy in daily routines.

Is has been recognized that the breathability and impermeability of the shoes lining play a crucial role on the performance and comfort of footwear. The main goal of this work is to study the application and behaviour new materials and new finishing to improve comfort in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis. This desideratum is reached through the selection and application of advanced materials, such as, breathable membranes and fabric finished with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria treatments. In this study, water vapour permeability was evaluated to determine the water vapour transport property produced by skin transpiration. Furthermore, a new lining with hydrophilic breathable membrane and anti-odour finishing has been developed and tested. Water vapour permeability of the new lining was compared with other conventional materials. From the obtained results, it can be drawn that the application of membranes with weave fabric by lamination decreases the breathability of material. The possibility to use fabrics with anti-odour finishing’s, laminated with a hydrophilic breathable membrane, for lining proposes has been demonstrated.

In the present work a “cork substrate” is developed aiming the achievement of an innovative material with ideal properties to respond to clothing and footwear applications. The preparation phases of leather processing are highly complex, with a large level of environmental aggressiveness. Garment and footwear industries are widely looking for new materials and applications able to reduce industrial pollutant charge, as well as new processes with lower water and energy consumption and higher economic advantages. Nowadays the conventional material to produce footwear is leather because it combines excellent properties such as: breathability, softness and thermal conductivity. A cork skin is laminated with membranes and textile fabrics and a comparison with leather properties has been done. The inner layer is made with a twill fabric that can be dyed and finished to confer functionalized properties. The results obtained are very promising and the possibility of using this laminated is demonstrated.

This study compares the flame speed of different textile materials employed in professional uniforms. Five different garments of aeronauts’ uniforms were analyzed (totaling 200 specimens submitted to flammability tests). Plain weaves and twill weaves composed by 100% CO; 100% PES; 67% PES/33% CO; 50% PES/50% WO; and 55% PES/45%WO were analyzed in the warp and filling directions. The flame speed of each material was determined, and differences in the flame propagation of the fabrics were identified. The lowest flame speed occurred for the material 50% PES/50% WO plain weave and weft direction (0.742 ± 0.140 m/s). The highest flame speed was 3.698 ± 1.806 cm/s for the material 67%PES/33%CO, plain weave and filling direction. Future experiments for reducing the fabric flammability of the uniforms could be related to more closed fabric constructions; mixtures with synthetic fibers to add functionality; changing the direction of the fabric; and changing the weight and torsion of its constituent yarns.

This study compares the flame speed of different textile materials employed in professional uniforms. Five different garments of aeronauts’ uniforms were analyzed (totaling 200 specimens submitted to flammability tests). Plain weaves and twill weaves composed by 100% CO; 100% PES; 67% PES/33% CO; 50% PES /50% WO; and 55% PES/45%WO were analyzed in the warp and filling directions. The flame speed of each material was determined and differences in the flame propagation of the fabrics were identified. The lowest flame speed occurred for the material 50% PES /50% WO plain weave and weft direction (0.742±0.140 m/s). The highest flame speed was 3.698±1.806 cm/s for the material 67%PES/33%CO, plain weave and filling direction. Future experiments for reducing the fabric flammability of the uniforms could be related to more closed fabric constructions; mixtures with synthetic fibers to add functionality; changing the direction of the fabric; and changing in the weight and torsion of its constituent yarns.