Bionic hip prosthesis based on polycentric mechanisms

Abstract

This work focuses on the design and building of a prototype of an external prosthetic hip for unilateral joint in the case of severe disarticulation: the surgical removal of the entire lower limb at the level of the hip or an hemipelvectomy. On the other hand, uniplanarunder-actuated poly centric mechanisms had been implemented in order to improve the movements generated by existing prosthesis, and to allow the user to walk with motions that are similar to that of a person in fully physical ability. The project was thought to be developed in stages. The first begun with the study, in appropriate literature, of human walking in normal conditions; with that knowledge in mind models of a possible design were generated. Thus, having the design and aided with CAD software, the prototype was tested via effort analysis method to ensure its resistance once loaded. Fulfilled all these requirements, the prototype proceeded to construction.