News
Our Project Meeting in Budapest
May 2023
Introduction
The recent project meeting of ErgoDesign in Budapest marked a significant step towards the development of our innovative curriculum for ergonomic design and the promotion of e-learning in the field. Held on 16-17 May 2023, the meeting brought together project partners to discuss progress, curriculum design principles, platform improvements, and the implementation of training materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the meeting agenda and key discussions that took place during the event.
Day 1 - 16th May 2023
The first day of the meeting commenced with a warm welcome and the presentation of the agenda by Obuda University, setting the stage for productive discussions among the project partners. The participants delved into a comprehensive recap of the activities carried out in PR2, highlighting the achievements and outlining the remaining tasks required to successfully complete PR2.
The discussions then shifted to PR2/A3, which focused on a review of the Course Design Principles and their practical application in creating the ErgoDesign Curriculum. The partners engaged in a fruitful discussion, exploring how these principles could guide the development of module titles, content lists, learning outcomes, teaching methods, scope/duration of online training, and the recommended number of ECTS credits.
Following a brief coffee break, the project team reconvened for PR2/A4, where a detailed proposal for the ErgoDesign Curriculum and its components was presented. This encompassed a comprehensive overview of module titles, content lists, learning outcomes, teaching methods, recommended scope/duration of online training, and the suggested number of ECTS credits. The partners actively participated in a validation process, ensuring that the proposed curriculum aligned with the project's objectives and adhered to the Course Design Principles.
The discussions continued with PR2/A4, which focused on finalizing the validation of the ErgoDesign Curriculum and its components. The partners provided valuable feedback, enabling necessary revisions and reaching a consensus on the curriculum's structure and content.
Additionally, the partners discussed the Interim Report. PUT and ValueDo clarified its timeline, the required contributions from each partner, and the expected outcomes.
Later in the day, updates on dissemination activities and the overall work plan were presented by PUT. The partners shared their accomplishments in disseminating project outcomes and engaged in constructive discussions to maximize the project's visibility and impact.
Day 2 - 17th May 2023
The second day the focus shifted to PR3, with a presentation on the project platform by Technical University of Varna and proposals for its improvement. The partners actively engaged in discussions on enhancements and modifications to ensure an optimal learning experience for the ErgoDesign e-learning platform.
Then, attention turned to PR4, centeringaround the "ErgoDesign e-learning Training Materials." The partners received an overview of PR4 activities by Obuda University team, including a presentation of the key elements of the course preparation Action Plan and assessment materials. Collaborative brainstorming and idea sharing took place regarding the practical implementation of the pilot course.
The meeting concluded with a recap of tasks and deadlines, ensuring that all partners were aligned on the next steps and responsibilities. Final conclusions were drawn, acknowledging the progress made during the meeting, and expressing appreciation for the active participation and collaboration of all partners.
In conclusion, the project meeting held in Budapest was instrumental in advancing the ErgoDesign project's objectives. The discussions and decisions made during the meeting propelled curriculum development, platform improvements, and the preparation of training materials. The partners' dedication and collaborative efforts have brought the project closer to its goal of promoting ergonomic design through innovative e-learning methodologies.
The necessity of 3D CAD software
in biomedical technology
April 2023
The medical device manufacturing industry is growing rapidly in order to keep up with the increased demand. Therefore, medical device product designers must create innovative medical products. Plenty of challenges are to be considered during the manufacturing of medical equipment, with the most important among them being patient safety. Efficiency, effectiveness, and cost containment, are also very important to be considered.
Therefore, the use of 3D CAD software in biomedical technology is necessary.3D CAD is a three-dimensional computer-aided design tool used by designers, engineers, and architects to create industrial objects that include complex mechanisms.It helps to create functional, virtual prototypes of three-dimensional designs.CAD software can be very specific, whether it is for industrial, mechanical, architectural, or aeronautical engineering design.
CAD software tools allow designers to investigate design ideas, modify designs easily, visualize concepts through renderings, simulate how a design performs in the real world, and draft documentation. Moreover, using cad software designers can share designs for feedback, and allow companies to get to market faster. In the biomedical field, CAD software is used for accurate modeling of complex geometries, customization, and patient-specific solutions, iterative design processes, simulation and analysis, collaboration, and communication, as well as facilitating manufacturing and production. More specifically CAD is necessary for the following reasons:
- Precise Design: Biomedical technology often involves intricate and complex designs, such as medical devices, implants, and prosthetics. CAD software allows engineers and designers to create precise and detailed 3D models of these components. It enables accurate representation of complex geometries, dimensions, and specifications, ensuring the design meets the required standards and functional requirements.
- Visualization and Simulation: CAD software provides visualization tools that allow designers to see the virtual representation of their designs in 3D. This visual feedback helps in assessing the aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality of biomedical devices. Additionally, CAD software often includes simulation capabilities, allowing engineers to test the performance and behavior of the devices under different conditions. This simulation helps identify potential design issues and optimize the performance before physical prototyping.
- Customization and Personalization: Biomedical technology often requires customized and patient-specific solutions. CAD software enables the creation of personalized designs based on patient data, such as medical imaging scans. With CAD, engineers can precisely model and modify the design to fit the unique anatomy and needs of individual patients. This customization enhances the effectiveness and comfort of biomedical devices, leading to improved patient outcomes.
- Iterative Design Process: CAD software supports an iterative design process, where designers can make changes and refinements to their designs based on feedback and testing. The software allows for easy modification of design parameters, enabling rapid prototyping and evaluation of design iterations. This iterative approach leads to the development of optimized and efficient biomedical devices.
- Collaboration and Documentation: CAD software facilitates collaboration among multidisciplinary teams involved in biomedical technology development. It allows for the sharing and exchange of design files, enabling effective communication and feedback from clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers. Additionally, CAD software enables the creation of comprehensive design documentation, including detailed specifications, measurements, and material information. This documentation is essential for regulatory compliance, manufacturing, and quality control.
- Integration with Manufacturing Technologies: CAD software plays a crucial role in the integration of design with manufacturing technologies in biomedical engineering. The CAD models generated using the software can be directly used in various manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC machining, and mold fabrication. This integration ensures accuracy and consistency between the designed model and the manufactured product.
Overall, CAD is necessary in biomedical technology for precise design, visualization and simulation, customization and personalization, iterative design processes, collaboration and documentation, and integration with manufacturing technologies. It enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in the development of biomedical devices, leading to improved healthcare outcomes.
Chrysi Giakoumidi, NTUA
Popularization of surgery
with the use of 3D implants
March 2023
In recent days, information has appeared in the Polish media about an operation performed in Poznań with the use of an endoprosthesis produced with the use of 3D printing.
The operated person, suffering from many different diseases, has not been able to take a step for the last year. It was caused by a defect in the pelvic bone, as a result of moving around for many years with too loose an endoprosthesis. Now, after implanting an implant that takes into account the anatomy of that person, the patient can walk again (https://gloswielkopolski.pl/lekarze-z-poznania-wszczepili-endoproteze-wydrukowana-w-3d-implant-szyty-na-miare-to-przelom/ar/c14-17418373).
The use of implants can be also a therapy for people after oncological treatment, when the cancer attacks the bones and they need to be removed. In large cavities, a typical implant cannot be used - it must be made specifically for a specific patient. Precise specification is necessary before the procedure, using, among others, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Only then the implantsare printed (https://www.prawo.pl/zdrowie/poznan-najwieksza-w-polsce-udana-operacja-ortopedyczna-z-uzyciem-druku-3d,244844.html).
At present, in Poland, endoprostheses made in 3D technology are implanted only in a small group of patients. The problem is particularly important because each of us is different and tailor-made prostheses are the future!For comparison, specialists from the City Hospital. J. Strusia in Poznań install approx. 500 mass-produced hip and knee endoprostheses annually. 3D printing gives a chance to treat those patients who were previously unqualified for it. In recent years, only 3 such procedures have been performed in Poland (https://www.poznan.pl/mim/info/news/wyjatkowa-operacja-w-miejskim-szpitalu,200562.html).
The ErgoDesign project aims to support the development of specialists in this field, to make this therapy more accessible by educating more specialists in the field of bioengineering and biomechanics. Not only in Poland, but all over Europe!
Additive technologies
are on the rise in today's world
Febuary 2023
Additive technologies are on the rise in today's world. 3D printing has appeared in almost all areas of industry and life, allowing the rapid creation of unique pieces. Additive technology is also playing a role in medical technology, with dental technology being the fastest growing. In the production of dental implants, each piece is unique, because each tooth is individual, like a fingerprint. Several methods can be used to produce the implant, which is the result of careful condition assessment, design and manufacture.
Dear Colleagues, dear Friends!
More information about the conference can be found in the new official website of ICEAF VII: http://iceaf.eu
Registration process is open and YOU are kindly invited to register HERE by filling in the Conference Registration Form.
Full length conference proceedings following to peer review will be published in dedicated peer-reviewed and open-access issue of the publication series Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS) (Online ISSN: 1742-6596 with 2021 Cite Score 0.8 and Scopus Indexed) of the IOP Publishing Ltd.
Furthermore, selected papers from the ICEAF VII Conference will be published in special volumes of the international highly reputable scientific journals: Engineering Failure Analysis, International Journal of Fatigue, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, following to peer review.
Should YOU have any additional queries, please contact the Conference Secretariat at info@iceaf.eu.
Looking forward to hearing from YOU and meeting YOU in Spetses.
The ErgoDesign team
wishes You
a Merry Christmas
and
a Happy New Year 2023!
ErgoDesign Meeting,
November 2022
ErgoDesign - Erasmus+ Project during the Science Month at Varna University of Technology, October 2022
The Science Month 2022 at Varna University of Technology began with the opening of the exhibition/competition "SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TU - VARNA" on October 10, 2022.
The event was officially opened by prof. Eng. Todor Ganczew, vice-rector for scientific activity. The event brought together students and lecturers of Varna University of Technology.
Our Project implemented as part of the Erasmus+ project was also among the presented scientific activities!
1st Transnational Project Meeting, September 2022
ErgoDesign Meeting,
August 2022
In August 2022, the partners agreed on the final agenda for the meeting in Athens. The meeting will be hosted by NTUA and will last two days. NTUA, as leader of PR1, will have the occasion to present the results of the evaluation from external expert on Dynamic Toolkit, to discuss possible improvements for the final version of the DT. PUT and TUV, respectively leaders of PR2 and PR3, will present the progress of the activities, asking for partners’ contribution and feedback.The ErgoDesign partners are looking forward to finally working together in person, after almost one year from the beginning of the project… Athens will be the perfect spot for this first meeting!
Giuditta Pasta (Valuedo)
ErgoDesign Meeting,
July 2022
The Dynamic Toolkit aims to help its users, usually professionals from the medical sector, to put in order the various digital tools that can be used for designing and producing 3D printed models of any kind of medical implants, to systemize them according to a common format and to create a tool that can help them select the suitable software for the right purpose.
ErgoDesign Meeting,
June 2022
In June the project consortium received their passwords to test in real the intellectual project output PR3 – ErgoDesign collaboration platform. The platform will have a lot of engaging content to offer but we started from creating our own profiles.
Tihomir Dovramadjiev (TUV)
4th Virtual Meeting,
May 2022
The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, presented the software described by all the partners. The descriptions of the tools will represent the basis for the construction of the Dynamic Toolkit that will be made available in beta version for internal and external tests.
The leader of PR2, Beata Mrugalska (PUT), updated the partners on the state-of-art for PR2. All partners will collect information on how HEI courses in topics related to ergonomic and bioengineering are designed and delivered in EU countries, focusing on methods and topics. Special attention will be given to aspects relating to people with special needs’ requirements, so to provide information all along the modules design, of which the curriculum will be composed of, and develop a specific module in the final curriculum. Partners will also analyse good practices in other countries referring to training methodologies and practical activities meant for training students in the use of software and digital tools.
The leader of the PR3, TUV represented by Tihomir Dovramadjiev, presented the collaborative platform which is integrated in the Moodle. In the next step it will be integrated within the ErgoDesign project website.
Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)
3rd Virtual Meeting,
April 2022
The leader of the PR3, TUV represented by Tihomir Dovramadjiev, presented the collaborative platform which we will be an easy-to-use interface, designed to be responsive, accessible, easy to navigate on desktops and mobile devices, conceived to allow a two-way sharing between trainers and learners: learners will get training and information, but also will provide them. It will be of paramount importance for ensuring the sustainability of project outcomes (dynamic toolkit, curriculum, training materials, exercises, Trainers’ Handbook, e-learning course, all other training materials available in this one-stop shop) and their exploitation (freely available for 5 years after the project’s end). All the partners discussed the technology they would like to use to the collaborative platform.
Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)
2nd Virtual Meeting,
April 2022
The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, asked all the partners to choose and describe the software we already know and use in practice, even if it will be possible to add more software besides the proposed ones we choose to work on. For this aim, we defined the template how the description of the software should look like to collect the similar results.
Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)
1st Virtual Meeting,
March 2022
The leader of the PR1, NTUA represented by Angelos Markopoulos, explained the further steps for this project result. In the incoming weeks all University partners will identify software/digital tools according to the technical specifications defined in PR1/A1 and fill in the template for the description of the software/tools.
Anna Stasiuk-Piekarska (PUT)
Kick-off Meeting,
January 2022
On 24-25.01.2022 the first meeting of the consortium implementing the Erasmus + ErgoDesign project took place. The partners presented their achievements and plans for the implementation of the project. The area of project management and reporting, administrative and financial issues and Quality Assurance Plan were presented.
On the second day, presentation, and discussion of the proposed action plan (methodology, upcoming tasks, responsibilities) and technical requirements and functionalities of the online collaborative platform were presented.
The aim of this block was to: ensure that all partner agreements are signed, appoint Steering Committee members, discuss channels of communication, agree on the schedule of virtual meetings, validate the dates and places of project meetings, present project indicators etc.
Beata Mrugalska (PUT)
Positive verification,
December 2021
Yupi! We are happy that the ErgoDesign project has been positively verified in the Erasmus + program. We are starting work on the project which supports the introduction of ergonomic and bioengineering innovations in implantology and prosthetics. The leader of the Consortium is the Poznan University of Technology.
Beata Mrugalska (PUT)
