Researchers develop rocket-powered ankle prosthesis

Source：University of Alabama Release Date：2012-11-16 370

Medical Equipment

Alternative below-knee prosthesis capable of actively powering the ankle joint

TUSCALOOSA, AL – Researchers from three collaborating universities are developing a practical ankle prosthesis powered by a rocket-like propellant.

Using a grant of about $564,000 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a four-year project was launched by Dr. Xiangrong Shen, assistant professor of mechanical engineering of the University of Alabama. The project is a collaboration by researchers from the University of Alabama, Vanderbilt University, and Georgia Institute of Technology. The aim is to produce alternative below-knee prosthesis capable of actively powering the ankle joint in use.

According to Dr Shen, there are two key components in the new prosthesis. The first is a special type of liquid fuel called a monopropellant, which works as an energy-storing medium that decomposes upon contact with certain catalysts. This allows for a lightweight prosthesis that stores enough energy for an entire day of operation.

The second key component is a sleeve muscle actuator, an artificial muscle. The sleeve muscle actuator replaces the motor used in some alternative prosthesis as the prosthetic actuator. The sleeve muscle is more powerful, lighter, and more compact, and its elastic properties are similar to a biological skeletal muscle.Zoom Kobe Venomenon V 5