Empirical study of mechanical behavior of a designed active knee joint brace equipped by a series elastic actuator

The current research introduces a rehabilitation active knee brace, equipped by a series elastic actuator, controlled by several patterns, each of them starts by a suitable foot situation in the walking gate. The proper condition to operate the control sub-programs is identified by referring to the signals, emitted by 4 micro-switches, which are installed into the corresponding shoe sole. An orthotics sample is made and its materialization constraints were analyzed. By planning a pilot project, the functionality of orthotic sample was evaluated in laboratory condition. The results indicates that the orthotic sample can be amplified 34 percent the maximum available torque of knee joint. In average, applying the proposed orthosis requires 46.54 W power during mentioned test conditions.