Early Evaluation of a Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis with Force-Modulated Impedance Control and Energy Regeneration

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2022

Publication Title

Medical Engineering and Physics

Abstract

Individuals with an above-knee (AK) amputation typically use passive prostheses, whether reactive (micropro-cessor) or purely mechanical. Though sufficient for walking, these solutions lack the positive power generation observed in able-bodied individuals. Active (powered) prostheses can provide positive power but suffer complex control and limited energy storage capacities. These shortcomings motivate the development of an active prosthesis implementing a novel impedance controller design with energy regeneration. The controller requires only five tuning parameters that are intuitive to adjust in contrast to the current standard-finite state machine impedance scheduling of up to 45 gains. This simplification is uniquely achieved by modulating knee joint impedance by axial shank force. Furthermore, the proposed control approach introduces analytical guidance for impedance tuning to purposely integrate energy regeneration; specifically, a precise amount of negative damping is injected into the joint. A pilot study conducted with a volunteer with an AK amputation walking at three distinct speeds and at continually self-selected varying speeds demonstrated the adaptability of the controller to changes in speed. Self-powered operation was attained for all trials despite low mechanical component effi-ciencies. These early results suggest the efficacy of simplifying impedance control tuning and fusing control and energy regeneration in transfemoral prostheses.

Comments

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) [grant numbers 1344954, 1536035]. This work was not directed by the NSF and does not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.

DOI

10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.103744

Volume

100

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS