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Energetic analysis and optimization of a MACCEPA actuator in an ankle prosthesis

Energetic evaluation of the CYBERLEGs alpha-prosthesis variable stiffness actuator during a realistic load cycle

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Abstract

The use of active prostheses for lower limb replacement brings new challenges like power optimization, energy efficiency and autonomy. The use of series and parallel elasticity is often explored to reduce the necessary motor power but this does not necessarily have a positive influence on the energy consumption of the prosthesis. This paper presents the experiments performed with the variable compliance actuator used in an active ankle prosthesis and the electromechanical model of this actuator. The results show that the measurements can be matched using the model, and this model can thus be used to optimize the energy efficiency of the actuator. Simulations show that the electrical efficiency can be increased by 10% compared to parameters selected by an optimization method that only takes mechanical properties into account.

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Acknowledgements

The first author is funded by a Ph.D. grant from Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). This work has been partially funded by the European Commissions 7th Framework Program as part of the CYBERLEGs project under Grant No. 287894, CYBERLEGs PlusPlus (H2020-ICT-2016-1 Grant Agreement #731931) and by the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) under Grant Number G.0262.14N.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robotics Research Group and Flanders Make, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

    Joost Geeroms, Louis Flynn, Rene Jimenez-Fabian, Bram Vanderborght & Dirk Lefeber

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  1. Joost Geeroms
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  2. Louis Flynn
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  3. Rene Jimenez-Fabian
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  4. Bram Vanderborght
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  5. Dirk Lefeber
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Correspondence to Joost Geeroms.

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Geeroms, J., Flynn, L., Jimenez-Fabian, R. et al. Energetic analysis and optimization of a MACCEPA actuator in an ankle prosthesis. Auton Robot 42, 147–158 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10514-017-9641-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10514-017-9641-1

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