ACTIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOTIC
(AFO)
Design Project Management
Introduction to the Team
Team Members
Shane Reardon - (ME)
Travis Blais - (ME)
Diane Kang - (IE)
Austin Frazer – (ME)
Mentor
Gerald Garavuso
Sponsors
Dr. Lamkin Kennard
Dr. Debartolo
Christopher Sullivan
Table of Contents
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Problem Definition
Background
Benchmarking
Limitations of Current AFOs
Stakeholders
Affinity Diagram
Summary/Conclusions
Questions
Problem Definition


Lay out roadmap for air muscle-driven active AnkleFoot Orthotic
Eliminate the condition known as “foot drop”
Midstance
Foot Drop (Between Propulsive and Contact Phase)
Problem Definition Cont.

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Benefactors include stroke survivors, those affected
by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and etc.
Promote natural gait
 Does

NOT include the propulsion stage of gait.
Ultimately identify a group of MSD projects to
develop active AFO subsystems.
Background


Air muscles are capable of lifting weight of human
foot
Robo-Ant, hand, Underwater Crab MSD projects have
already utilized air muscles in their design
 Bountiful

data exists characterizing air muscle behavior
A terrain sensing system is already in development
(Christopher Sullivan)
Benchmarking
Passive
Active
Limitations of Current AFOs
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Doesn’t allow the range of motion for plantar
flexion
Only suitable for walking on level surfaces
Bulky/Heavy
Difficult to put on/take off
Must be custom fit
Stakeholders
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Dr. Debartolo
Dr. Lamkin Kennard
Christopher (Chappy) Sullivan
Patients
Medical Professionals (Doctors & Physical
Therapists)
Manufacturers
Affinity Diagram
R12000 Affinity Diagram
Summary/Conclusions
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Current AFOs have proven insufficient to patients
suffering from foot drop
An active AFO could enable patients to safely
travel at variable speeds and terrain
Our job is to identify a group of MSD projects to
develop active AFO subsystems utilizing air muscle
technology.
Questions?