Concept Through Preliminary Bench Testing of a Powered Lower Limb Prosthetic Device.

This paper outlines the design and testing of a powered ankle prosthesis, which utilizes a four-bar mechanism in conjunction with a spring and motor that mimics nonamputee (normal) ankle moments. This approach would enable transtibial (below the knee) amputees to walk at a normal speed with minimal energy input. The design takes into account the energy supplied by the wearer required to achieve many of the desired characteristics of a normal gait.