Avian extremity reconstruction via osseointegrated leg-prosthesis for intuitive embodiment

For large avians such as vultures, limb loss leads to loss of ambulation and eventually death from malnutrition. Prosthetic devices may replace the limb, however, conventional prosthetic sockets are not feasible in feathered limbs and the extreme stress and strain of unreflected daily use in animals. Osseointegration is a novel technique, where external prosthetic parts are connected directly to a bone anchor to provide a solid skeletal-attachment. This concept provides a high degree of embodiment since osseoperception will provide direct intuitive feedback allowing natural use of the limb in gait and feeding. Here we demonstrate for the first time an osseointegrated bionic reconstruction of a limb in a vulture after a tarsometatarsal amputation with a longterm follow-up.

Characterization and numerical simulation of laminated glass fiber–polyester composites for a prosthetic running blade

The objective of this work was to explore different types of deformations (buckling, bending, and relaxation) on the properties of laminated composites based on polyester as the matrix and glass fiber in two forms: woven and chopped strand mat. The specimens were produced with the same thickness but with different number of ply. Also, a thin gelcoat based on clay particles was applied on the chopped strand mat samples to get a third series. The results showed that using the same thickness, the mechanical properties, especially in terms of bending and buckling, are influenced by the layers’ number. Furthermore, a sports application, which is the main objective of this work, is presented as an applied investigation for a leg prosthesis. Three different running blades “Flex-foot Cheetah” were manufactured to be experimentally and numerically (ANSYS ACP software) characterized to simulate real conditions. The results showed a good agreement between the experimental and numerical values in terms of total displacement, which is around 50 mm, the produced blade has been tested in quasi-static and dynamic compression, and results showed that the relaxation behavior depends on the structure design and the used materials.

Temperature Regulated Sleeve for Leg Prosthesis

This paper presents the findings of the research and design of a heat generating thermal prosthetic sleeve. The goal of the project was to get the sleeve to be designed in a way that keeps a comfortable temperature of the amputation site. Heat transfer analysis as well as comfort tests were used to select the optimal materials for the body of the sleeve. A series of electrical tests using multimeters were used to determine which heating element should be used, as well as in which orientation they should be connected. A microcontroller system had also to be selected to give the sleeve some adjustability.

Prediction of Ground Profile for Lower-Leg Prosthesis Control Using a Visual-Inertial System

The field of control of powered lower-leg prostheses has advanced due to the improvements in sensors and computational power. Much effort has been done to improve the capabilities of prostheses, such as mimicking the stiffness, weight, and mobility of a human ankle-foot [1] and autonomously commanding the robotic prosthesis for gait [2].