CAREER: A Gait Powered, Active Above-Knee Prosthesis: Synthesis and Mechanical Evaluation

这项研究的重点是主动假肢，这是能够产生和维持膝关节扭矩。主动假体优于传统的被动假体，因为后者不能响应于截肢者的需求或与外部施加的扭矩相反地产生膝盖扭矩，因此对于需要在部分弯曲的膝盖上承载重量的活动具有有限的有用性。该项目研究了一种独特的动力源-步态周期的动力学-以提供足够的能量，这些能量可以被主动假肢回收、储存和用于产生扭矩。一个膝踝关节驱动器，可以从步态周期中恢复能量，并产生步态和爬楼梯的膝关节扭矩将建模，设计和建造。 广泛的实验研究将评估其能量回收和主动扭矩产生能力。 教育部分的重点是生物力学工程课程的开发，针对研究生和高水平的本科生，促进工程专业学生与临床和医疗专业人员之间的互动，强调沟通和合作对改善治疗和设备的重要性。生物力学实验室支持分析和实验研究项目将开发，以促进研究工作，并提供实验支持课程主题。其他教育目标包括促进远程学习，鼓励妇女和代表性不足的少数民族从事工程职业。

This research is focused on active prostheses, which are capable of generating and sustaining knee joint torques. Active porstheses are advantageous over conventional passive prostheses, since the latter cannot generate knee torques in response to the amputee's demands or in opposition to externally applied torques and thus have limited usefulness for activities requiring weight bearing on a partially flexed knee. The project investigates a unique power source - the dynamics of the gait cycle - to provide sufficient energy that can be recovered, stored and used by active prostheses for torque generation. A knee-ankle actuator that can recover energy from the gait cycle and generate knee joint torques for gait and stair climb will be modeled, designed, and built. An extensive experimental study will evaluate its energy recovery and active torque generation capab - ilities. The education component focuses on the development of biomechanical engineering courses, targeted at graduate students and upper level undergraduates, that promote interaction between engineering students and clinical and medical professionals, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration for improved treatments and devices. A biomechanics laboratory supporting analytical and experimental research projects will be developed to facilitate research efforts and to provide experimental support to course topics. Other educational objectives include promoting distance learning, and encouraging women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in engineering.