Projeto, montagem e simulação numérica de um auxiliador de locomoção para cães com estrutura de bambu

Abstract

More and more dogs and cats are leaving the streets to live with humans, and with the growing culture of animal adoption, many families decide to care for older animals or with some physical limitations. There are several problems that can cause loss of mobility in animals, and in some cases a locomotion aid is recommended. These locomotion aids are usually of high cost, which makes it impossible for many families to acquire it. And often the equipment is not appropriate for the animal, because the project does not take into account factors such as where the dog resides. The objective of this study is to manufacture, numerical simulation and field trial of a locomotion mechanism for dogs, low cost and easy assembly. It was used as a structural element, bamboo sticks (Phyllostachys aurea). Interviews were conducted with veterinarians and tutors of animals with locomotion problems, aiming to identify the design needs of a locomotion aid for dogs. Numerical simulation was done with the ANSYS software that is usually used for prototype creation and optimization. Finally, field tests were performed. As a result the locomotion aid designed, simulated and tested proved to be cheaper and more efficient than many existing mechanisms on the market, however, as each animal has unique characteristics, further studies are needed.