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Abstract

Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) is a service-learning design program run by the College of Engineering at Purdue University. EPICS teaches students design skills by providing solutions for individuals, communities, and organizations in the surrounding area while mirroring engineering industry standards. Biomedical Engineering is a team within EPICS that strives to serve community partners through biomedical applications. HR is a patient who suffers from severe lymphedema. This condition results in her foot swelling three times its original size and requires her to utilize weekly leg compression therapy. Prescription shoes are slightly adequate. However, they lead to sores and pain due to fitting improperly and the expansion of her legs before her next compression treatment. HR reached out to the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering to seek a solution. This project entails the design and fabrication of a prototype shoe that addresses the patient’s need to walk with shoes while effectively accommodating her symptoms. The user needs include condition accommodation, aesthetics, comfort, ease of use, cost, utility, and standardized documentation language. The design uses a novel break-sole passive expansion system that exceeds the normal passive expandable properties of other shoes, in addition to several expandable points that aid in functionality and comfort. The goal is that with this product, HR can get back to the things that she loves, including photography and hiking.

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