STTR Phase I: Development of an Actively-Controlled Prosthetic Foot

这个小型技术转移研究(STTR)第一阶段项目旨在开发一种主动控制的假肢脚，使腿部截肢者行走更轻松、更舒适。商业假体使用被动机制来提供关节、缓冲脚跟撞击和弹性能量回馈；然而，截肢者行走的能量成本很高。目前最先进的假体是智能膝盖，它通过主动控制膝盖的刹车来改善步态。根据最新的实验室结果和早期的原型装置，拟议的项目将使用受控的能量储存和释放，从而显著提高假肢的效率。

This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop an actively controlled prosthetic foot that makes walking easier and more comfortable for the lower limb amputees. Commercial prostheses use passive mechanisms to provide articulation, cushioning against heel impact, and elastic energy return; yet the energetic cost of amputee walking is high. Currently the most sophisticated prostheses are intelligent knees, which improve gait by actively controlling braking of the knee. Based on recent laboratory result and an earlier prototype device, the proposed project will used controlled energy storage and release, thus significantly improve the efficiency of a prosthetic foot.