Compliant Mechanisms for Self-Aligning of Prosthetics

The objective of this Phase II project is to translate the proof of concept prototype developed in Phase I towards practical implementation. The focus will be on transtibial prosthetic legs. The Phase I design will be improved for bio-mechanical functionality, reliability and cost effectiveness. Full size and full load scale products will be experimentally tested and evaluated with transtibial amputee participants in all three gait planes in real-time. The quantitative metrics will be the socket bending moment and gait temporal-spatial, kinematic and kinetic variables. The goal is to achieve a TRL of 8 for this objective. Other objective of the Phase II project is to improve the manufacturability aspect of the product to ascertain safety and reliability while minimizing cost, size and weight through optimization of materials and manufacturing technologies. Our goal is to achieve a TRL of at least 6 in Phase II for this objective. In Phase III, we will work with manufacturing consultant to achieve the TRL for market entry. Additionally, the project will strive to push the proposed technology towards advanced functionality – such as stability on uneven terrain or vigorous walking. The desired goal is to achieve TRL 6 for walking on inclined ground.