Design of an Electrically Powered Prosthetic Elbow

摘要

The electrically powered elbow design effort was initiated to develop a useful prosthetic component for severely handicapped persons. Preliminary analysis was undertaken of a worm gear and a bevel gear arrangement. Design aims were to provide a minimum lifting capacity of 120 pound-inches, minimum static capacity of 300 pound-inches, and a no-load lifting velocity of ten revolutions per minute. In addition, the elbow was to provide continuous locking from 10 degrees to 135 degrees of flexion with a feature that will enable the arm to be free swinging at the fully extended position. All of the design criteria were not fulfilled but several elbow units were built for clinical evaluation. Recommendations for future design efforts are given. (Author)