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

拟议的项目将优化脚踝矫形器(AFO)的制造，以满足脚下垂患者的需求。这些患者由于脚踝周围的肌肉活动受损，无法进行脚背屈曲。该项目团队已经开发了一种使用形状记忆合金(SMA)金属丝致动器的矫形器原型。该致动器在行走过程中捕捉并释放能量，以提供背屈运动，这是下脚症患者所缺乏的。这项研究包括对利用选择性激光熔化制造的形状记忆部件实现超弹性行为进行方法性研究，以及开发一种概念验证形状记忆铰链来捕捉能量并将能量释放到脚踝，而不需要外部能源。如果成功，拟议的研究将对主动踝足矫形器的发展产生重大影响。每年，由于车祸或与工作有关的原因导致的疾病或腿部创伤性损伤，许多人都会丧失踝关节背屈的能力。特别值得注意的是，后两种情况与脚部下垂有关(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.