The design of an intelligent mechanical Active Prosthetic Knee

Abstract

With the cost of active prostheses continuing to rise, war amputees, specifically in developing war-torn countries are unable to partake in the advancement of intelligent limbs. Many of the commercial prosthetic knee joints available are either wholly passive or provide only partial active feedback and control. The purpose of the proposed Active Prosthetic Knee (APK) design is to investigate a new schema that allows the device to provide the full necessary torque at the knee joint. Utilizing gait trend detection and streaming it to an intelligent logic, allows autonomous movement that mimics human locomotion. This study involves the design methodology of both the mechanical aspects as well as the fuzzy-based control system. The logic behind the fuzzy system can replicate the human gait cycle by dividing the cycle into its own unique phases.