I-Corps: A generation-3 shape memory alloy actuated ankle foot orthosis

该项目将优化踝足矫形器（AFO）的制造，以满足下垂足患者的需求。这些患者由于踝关节周围的肌肉活动受损而无法背屈他们的脚。该项目团队已经开发出一种使用形状记忆合金（SMA）丝致动器的矫形器原型。致动器在行走过程中捕获和释放能量以提供背屈运动，这是足下垂患者所缺乏的。 该研究计划包括对使用选择性激光熔化的形状记忆部件实现超弹性行为进行系统研究，并开发一种概念验证形状记忆铰链，以捕获和释放能量到踝关节，而无需外部能源。如果成功，该研究计划将对主动踝足矫形器的进步产生重大影响。每年都有大量的人由于车祸或工作相关原因导致的下肢疾病或创伤性损伤而失去踝关节背屈的能力。特别值得注意的是，后两种与足下垂相关的情况（创伤性脑损伤和创伤性下肢损伤）在士兵中非常常见。

The proposed project will optimize the fabrication of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) to address the needs of drop-foot patients. These patients are unable to dorsiflex their foot because of impaired muscle activity around the ankle. The project team has developed a prototype orthosis using a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator. The actuator captures and releases energy during walking to provide dorsiflexion motion, which drop-foot patients' lack. The proposed research includes performing methodical study toward achieving super-elastic behavior in shape memory parts created using selective laser melting and developing a proof of concept shape memory hinge to capture and release energy to the ankle without the need to external sources of energy.If successful, the proposed research could have a significant impact on the advancement of active ankle foot orthosis. Every year a large number of individuals experience a loss of ability to dorsiflex the ankle due to disease or traumatic injury to the lower extremity that resulted from automobile accident or work-related causes. Of particular note, these last two conditions associated with foot drop (traumatic brain injury and traumatic lower extremity injury) are very common among soldiers.