Prosthetic Leg Lab Report

This chapter will explore more on the design procedure of a prosthetic leg and the calculations that come into play in this procedure. The design will be based on the parameters and function of a normal leg and also on the current available prosthetic legs. In prosthetic leg calculations, the main factors to consider are the kinematics, kinetics and the energetics. Kinetic quantities are computed by first measuring the external forces acting on the body. For normal walking, the external forces are simply the net force of the ground (i.e., ground reaction force, or GRF), and the gravitational force. A physical model of the body is then constructed based on the quantities that one wants to compute. The leg is often represented using a 2-dimensional link-segment model, which the upper leg, lower leg, and foot are modelled as rigid bodies connected via pin joints. Once kinematics and external forces are measured and a model is created, joint forces and moments can be computed using a process called inverse dynamics. Finally, energetic quantities are computed by combining kinematic data with the results of kinetic calculations.
5.2 CONCEPT DESCRIPTION
This leg can also function as a brace for a remaining limb that is lacking some functionality. A socket is manufactured from a carbon fibre sheet, and a Patellar tendon bar is used for suspension of the leg. A cosmetic shell is made from polyethylene material, and flesh-tone plastic or surface colouring is used to match various skin tones. Thus the prosthetic leg can take on the human form, and achieve a believable human colour. For a more comfortable and compatible match, a 3D scan is taken of the residual limb, and a CAD model of the prosthetic leg will be adjusted and 3D printed to fit the