Apto-Ankle: Passive, Compliant Ankle with Enhanced Energy Storage and Return in Gait

项目摘要 Apto-Ankle项目将创造一种新型的低成本、轻便、无动力的被动顺应性脚踝， 通过将+/-10°的足底和 背屈与步态相关的脚趾锁，以提供能量储存和返回，所有这些都不使用 微处理器或动力部件。 适用于DMRC K-2和K-3经胫骨肢体缺失的个体，它将帮助他们更有效地， 舒适地在社区环境中走动，提供被动顺应的记录好处 踝关节具有从踝关节中的能量耗散到踝关节中的能量储存的前足加载相变。 动力储能和回足。这种方法解决了现有被动 顺从的脚踝，而不会增加微处理器控制脚踝的功能或复杂性。通过机械 控制动力学的基础上的参数来自正常的安培数和没有额外的认知 这种设计提供了一种步态和环境适当的过渡，在站立期间， 顺应性，能量耗散到动态能量存储和返回。 Apto-Ankle项目有三个主要目标：1）设计和建造3个原型Apto-Ankle， 可调节组件，用于确定试验台和使用者的步态依赖行为，2）试验台 测试以根据设计规范评估脚踝性能，并在测试之前确认安全性和稳健性 临床评价，以及3）通过将踝关节适当地适配于用户来评价概念验证踝关节， 在步态实验室里主要评估结果将包括客观可测量的步态参数， 来自用户的主观临床调查反馈。Apto-Ankle的成功设计和实施将 使经胫骨肢体丧失的个体能够更容易地在其正常的社区环境中走动， 增加稳定性，并增加在其典型活动中使用Ambassador的量和舒适度， 四周Apto-Ankle的商业应用是一种低成本、K-2和K-3、轻量化的假肢踝关节 鼓励经胫骨假体使用者的自主性、独立性和生活质量。

PROJECT SUMMARY The Apto-Ankle project will create a novel low-cost, lightweight, unpowered passive compliant ankle that addresses the weaknesses of currently marketed hydraulic passive ankles by combining +/-10° of plantar and dorsiflexion with a gait dependent toe lock to provide energy storage and return, all without use of microprocessors or powered components. Appropriate for DMERC K-2 and K-3 individuals with transtibial limb loss, it will help them more efficiently and comfortably ambulate in their community environment, providing the documented benefits of passive compliant ankles with a forefoot loading phase transition from energy dissipation in the ankle to energy storage in the dynamic energy storage and return foot. This approach addresses the weaknesses of existing passive compliant ankles without adding the power or complexity of microprocessor-controlled ankles. By mechanically controlling dynamics based on parameters derived from normal ambulation and without additional cognitive burden on users, this design provides a gait and environmentally appropriate transition during stance from compliant, energy dissipation to dynamic energy storage and return. The Apto-Ankle project has three primary aims: 1) design and construction of 3 prototype Apto-Ankles to test adjustable components that determine gait dependent behaviors, both on the bench and on users, 2) bench testing to assess ankle performance against design specifications and confirm safety and robustness prior to clinical evaluation and 3) evaluate the proof-of-concept ankle by appropriately fitting it to users and evaluating it in a gait lab. Primary assessment outcomes will include objective measurable gait parameters and subjective clinical survey feedback from users. Successful design and implementation of the Apto-Ankle will enable individuals with transtibial limb loss to more easily ambulate in their normal community environment, increase stability, and increase amount of and comfort with ambulation in their typical activities and surroundings. The commercial application of Apto-Ankle is a low-cost, K-2 and K-3, lightweight prosthetic ankle that encourages ambulation, independence, and quality of life for transtibial prosthesis users.