The Invention
The rigid thermoplastic forms used to create current AFOs are intentionally very tight fitting to give the user the optimal support. However, with growing users, especially children, it often leads to bruising, blistering and cuts, due to systematic flaws in the fabrication process. The LUNA Modular AFO is an AFO designed to adapt and conform to growing users extending the life of the product to several years rather than 6 to 8 months. The invention uses semi-flexible plastics to soften sensitive areas like bone protrusions. The bioplastic is also able to be recycled and reused.
Aaron Nguyen says: “Having grown up with two relatives with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, I wasn’t aware of the problems that children and their families can face with traditional orthoses until my aunty asked me to find a better solution. The LUNA Modular AFO consists two components and as the child grows, the LUNA Surface can be interchanged and form-fitted using 3Dscanning. The digitisation of this process removes flaws and results in more consistently accurate orthoses.”
Commenting on the sustainability of his invention, Aaron says: “Personally, I think that engineers and designers should bear the burden of figuring out how to make everyday life more sustainable, and that the end user shouldn’t have to compromise for a more sustainable option.”
“I always saw the James Dyson Award as a competition for the best up-and-coming designers and engineers showing their solutions and skills, and I wanted to challenge myself by entering this year. I feel honoured to be recognised for my invention and to help solve this important problem for children.”
The Runners Up
Runners up in this year’s competition were Rinse Repeat, a compact home wastewater recycling system that halves water use in front loading washing machines and SASS: Stand Alone Sun-Flow System, a sustainable and stand-alone water treatment system.
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