Dynamically Enhanced Passive and Semi-Passive Intelligent Lower Limb Wearable Assistive Devices

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2 million Canadians suffer from a mobility disorder that limits their daily activities and this number is increasing as the population ages. This same aging population expects to maintain their quality of life. However, currently available wearable lower limb assistive devices only consider the location of the disability or amputation, its anatomy, and comfort with little regard for dynamic performance. Active, semi-active, or even robotic devices using electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuators coupled with wearable sensors and intelligent algorithms are also being developed, but these require additional elements that lead to bulky, heavy, and unsightly devices that have a negative impact on adoption, compliance, and even comfort. Recent studies have shown that passive devices can be used to enhance mobility via effects such as resonance or cycle synchronization during daily use if properties of the device itself are dynamically tuned. This can be achieved by characterizing the dynamic properties of wearable assistive devices under real loading conditions, with real users, examining the material properties and fabrication processes used for these devices and modifying their geometry to achieve the required dynamic response. Thus, the overarching goal of the research program is to develop low-profile and lightweight passive and semi-passive intelligent wearable assistive devices that enhance mobility based on material and geometric parameters customized to the individual. The proposed program will focus on three lines of enquiry towards achieving this goal. The first will be to develop and validate a set of key metrics for the evaluation of the dynamic and vibration properties of current lower limb wearable assistive devices, use these metrics to develop an experimental platform based on surrogate lower limbs, and evaluate the performance of these assistive devices under real loading conditions, with real users. The second will be to study how materials currently used for wearable assistive devices affect their dynamic performance and examine alternative, advanced, and smart materials that may present beneficial properties. How assistive device manufacturing processes affect these material properties and their relationship to the device's dynamic response will also be explored. Finally, methods for modifying the geometry of these assistive devices to take advantage of particularly beneficial material properties or reduce detrimental effects, while accounting for individual dynamic requirements will be investigated. This program will provide a modern and diverse environment for training HQP in mechanical and biomechanical design, modelling and analysis. Access to world-class facilities, health care professionals and users at the University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital will provide HQP with an enriched and highly specialized experience.