Muleta híbrida de baixo custo

Abstract

This paper presents the justification of the choice for the application of bamboo on crutches, in order to reduce the cost of the product aiming to make it more accessible to poor populations. Crutches are auxiliary components for locomotion of people which have some kind of physical need. Depending on the type of need of these people, the use of those components may vary from short to long term. The uses of the crutches for locomotion present several advantages when compared to the wheelchair. It can bring health benefits being physical and even mental. Traditional crutches are usually made of aluminum and wood, but these materials make these components costly. So, it becomes restricted to low-income people. Therefore, the objective of this work was to find a material that would meet the constraints of the component and reduce its cost. And, it can make the component with low-cost as well. The choice of bamboo as a substitute material had some reasons, like: its wide existence, sustainability and resistance. And, to prove this choice two procedures were performed. The first one were based in material selection through Ashby’s chats. And the final one was used a simulation of the component through Inventor ® 2017. As a result, this methods proved the compliance with the restrictions through the Ashby’s charts and the efficiency of this material when submitted to the simulated efforts.