This project aimed to develop an active assistive knee device to aid the user in their gait cycle and stair ascent and descent. Currently, few devices exist on the market that offer a solution for those desiring a small amount of assistive torque in a low profile, cost-effective design. Experimental and literary research were performed to determine the amount of assistance needed from the device, and the ideal structure. A novel hinge design was created and, once partnered with the electromyograph and motor, provides 10% of the required torque at the knee for the user. Due to COVID-19, the team was unable to fabricate and assemble a working prototype. Improvements include refining the design to be smaller and lighter, and adding a second motor for increased torque.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Steele, Christina A.
• Barsoumian, Tina A.
• McGrath, Jason L.
• Utheim, Kassidy P.
• Zlotnick, Zachary J.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-051820-044734

Advisor

• Popovic, Marko B.
• Guceri, Selcuk

Year

• 2020

Sponsor

• Maxon

Date created

• 2020-05-18

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright