active ankle foot orthotic ( afo)

ACTIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOTIC

(AFO)

Design Project Management

Introduction to the Team

Shane Reardon - (ME) Travis Blais - (ME)Diane Kang - (IE)Austin Frazer – (ME)

Gerald GaravusoTeam Members Mentor

SponsorsDr. Lamkin KennardDr. DebartoloChristopher Sullivan

Table of Contents• Problem Definition• Background• Benchmarking• Limitations of Current AFOs• Stakeholders• Affinity Diagram• Summary/Conclusions• Questions

Problem Definition Lay out roadmap for air muscle-driven

active Ankle-Foot Orthotic Eliminate the condition known as “foot

drop”

Midstance Foot Drop (Between Propulsive and Contact Phase)

Problem Definition Cont. 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 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 Dr. Debartolo Dr. Lamkin Kennard Christopher (Chappy) Sullivan Patients Medical Professionals (Doctors & Physical

Therapists) Manufacturers

Affinity DiagramR12000 Affinity Diagram

Summary/Conclusions 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?