KNEE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR KNEE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS

下肢部分或完全瘫痪的患者使用 膝-踝-足矫形器（KAFO）用于截肢，并且必须具有膝关节 在步态中锁定稳定性。 使用KAFO导致膝关节缺失 在步态摆动阶段的运动和增加的能量消耗， 行走，导致用户拒绝率高。 已经开发了一种电子控制的膝关节， 安装在传统的KAFO上。 该设计使用模块化电子设备， 感测肢体负载并激活膝盖处的离合器控制机构。 膝关节在挥杆阶段解锁，在站姿时看起来 步态的阶段。 第一阶段的目标是展示一个 另一种离合器机构，它更小，可提供更高的扭矩 能力。 第一阶段研究预计将证明 可行性，并为进一步的II期开发和临床做准备 试验. 如果成功的话，这种节能的膝踝足矫形器将 由公认的矫形/假肢领域的领导者制造和销售 设备. 这种类型的支具将有助于患者 脊髓灰质炎、脊髓损伤、肌病性疾病、先天性脊髓 缺陷和由于感染或血管损伤而获得性瘫痪。 建议的商业应用：本系统供以下人员使用： 流动性限制。 它将恢复、取代或增强 儿童和下肢残疾的成人。 目前，约有866，000人使用腿部支架。 的 由于对传统KAFO不满意， 百分百确定 这些人将受益于正在开发的支具， 这个研究项目。

Individuals with partial or complete paralysis of the lower extremity use a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) for ambulation and must have the knee locked for stability during gait. Use of a KAFO results in lack of knee movement during the swing phase of gait and increased energy expenditure to walk, resulting in a high rejection rate by users. An electronically controlled knee joint has been developed that can be installed on a conventional KAFO. This design uses modular electronics to sense limb loading and activate a clutch control mechanism at the knee. The knee joint unlocks during the swing phase and looks during the stance phase of gait. The goal of phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of an alternative clutch mechanism which is smaller and delivers higher torque capability. The Phase I study is expected to establish proof of feasibility and prepare for further Phase II development and clinical testing. If successful, the energy efficient knee-ankle-foot orthosis will be manufactured and marketed by a recognized leader in orthotic/prosthetic equipment. This type of brace will be useful for patients with poliomyelitis, spinal cord injuries, myopathic disorders, congenital spinal defects, and acquired paralysis due to infections or vascular insults. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: This system is for use by persons with mobility limitations. It will restore, replace or enhance the function of children and adults with physical disabilities of the lower extremity. Currently, there are about 866,000 people who use a leg brace. The dissatisfaction with conventional KAFO's result in a rejection rate of 60- 100%. These individuals would benefit from the brace being developed in this research project.