Within MATEIS, Valentine Delbruel explored the impact of additive manufacturing on functional rehabilitation.
Valentine Delbruel, chercheur·e au sein de MATEIS (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Matériaux de Lyon (Villeurbanne ; 1991-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The use of additive manufacturing technologies, particularly 3D printing, represents a significant advancement in the field of health, especially for functional rehabilitation. This technology, which allows for the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital models, offers unprecedented possibilities for the design and production of orthoses. Valentine Delbruel's thesis highlights a crucial issue: how to make orthoses accessible and affordable in low-income countries like Togo? By integrating recycled plastic waste into the manufacturing of orthoses, it is possible not only to reduce costs but also to contribute to environmental sustainability, a major challenge in the current context of climate crisis.
A local solution for an urgent need
In Togo, as in many West African countries, the needs for functional rehabilitation are pressing. Indeed, about 30% of patients in Togo require orthoses to improve their mobility. This represents a considerable number of people whose quality of life could be enhanced through suitable devices. However, access to these devices remains limited, often due to their prohibitive cost and the difficulty of supply.
The NGO Handicap International has already initiated similar projects, but importing materials from Europe poses logistical and financial challenges. Delivery times, import costs, and currency fluctuations make these solutions unviable in the long term. By recycling local plastic waste to produce 3D filaments, manufacturing costs could be significantly reduced. This could transform the landscape of functional rehabilitation, making orthoses not only more accessible but also creating local jobs in the recycling and manufacturing process.
Promising results
The preliminary results of this research are promising. By analyzing the mechanical properties of orthoses, the thesis demonstrates that the use of recycled materials can not only meet the functional needs of users but also improve their quality of life. For example, tests have shown that orthoses made from recycled plastics can offer comparable strength to traditional materials while being lighter and more comfortable.
A sustainable and innovative approach
The implications of this research go beyond the simple manufacturing of orthoses. They highlight the need to integrate sustainable solutions into health systems, promoting plastic recycling and supporting the circular economy. Indeed, this approach could also reduce the amount of plastic waste that pollutes the local environment, thereby contributing to better public health. By integrating additive manufacturing practices into the health sector, it could also encourage local innovation and research, thus creating a dynamic ecosystem around functional rehabilitation.
A call to action for decision-makers
It is essential that decision-makers take these results into account to implement public policies that promote recycling and innovation in the health sector. This could include tax incentives for companies that invest in additive manufacturing technologies, or awareness programs to encourage recycling within communities. Additive manufacturing could thus become a powerful lever to improve access to care and reduce health inequalities.
A broader reflection on sustainability
In summary, this thesis paves the way for a broader reflection on the sustainability and accessibility of healthcare in West Africa. By integrating innovative and sustainable solutions, it is possible to transform the landscape of functional rehabilitation while addressing current environmental challenges. Additive manufacturing technologies, by enabling local and sustainable production of orthoses, could thus play a key role in improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations. Ultimately, this is an opportunity not only for Togo but also for other countries in the region to adopt more sustainable and inclusive health practices.
Données clés
- 30% : Pourcentage de patients au Togo nécessitant des orthèses pour améliorer leur mobilité fonctionnelle.
- 20% : Réduction des coûts de fabrication grâce à l'utilisation de filaments recyclés.
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Sources et accès
Valentine Delbruel. Use of additive manufacturing technologies for functional rehabilitation. Materials. INSA de Lyon, 2024. English. ⟨NNT : 2024ISAL0122⟩. ⟨tel-04957659⟩