ACTIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOTIC (AFO) Design Project Management
Feb 10, 2016
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?