Bionic prosthesis for the lower-limb : design and development of a testbench for an ankle device

Details

Supervisors

Ronsse, Renaud ; Heremans, François

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électromécanicien, à finalité spécialisée: mécatronique

Abstract

This study introduces the design and development of a testbench for a bionic ankle prosthesis, aimed at emulating the intricacies of a patient's gait cycle. The initial stage involves identifying the constraints of bipedal walking, along with its key phases. Subsequently, the design process addresses specified requirements, by the selection of design concepts, kinematic and dynamic models, and the integration of diverse actuators. The static and fatigue analysis extends to various components, encompassing the rotary shaft and platform, and its welds. The scope of sizing further encompasses the gear motor assembly, coupling, bearing units, mounting bracket, and finally linear modules. Drawing from this comprehensive study, along with the extensive 3D CAO plan and product references derived, a fully-fledged prototype can be crafted for testing prosthesis systems. This prototype enables the realistic simulation of a walking phase, thereby enhancing the accuracy and precision of characterizations within intricate and complex tests.