Engineering an Active Ankle-Foot Prosthesis: Conceptual Design for Enhanced Walking Dynamic
摘要
The development of an active ankle prosthesis aims to overcome the limitations of traditional passive prostheses by introducing dynamic and adaptive functionalities, enhancing mobility, stability, and comfort for individuals with lower limb amputations. This paper presents the conceptual framework of a CAD-modelled active ankle prosthesis, specifically designed to improve walking efficiency. The proposed prosthesis integrates biomechanical principles to replicate natural gait while employing advanced control systems for real-time adaptability and rapid response to movement variations. Key components of the design include an electric-driven actuation mechanism for dynamic foot bending system, a robust control system, and an ergonomic structure that ensures user comfort and safety. The prosthesis is constructed using Nylon 6 (PA6), which has a Modulus of Elasticity (E) of 8.3 GPa (8.3 × 10⁹ N/m2) and a Poisson’s Ratio (ν) of 0.28. These material properties are crucial for maintaining structural integrity and mechanical performance under different loading conditions.