Elastic actuators feature increased energy efficiency and improved human-robot interaction compared to directly driven concepts for active orthoses and prostheses. Structure and parameters of the elastic actuation system are often designed via a model-based minimization of energy consumption based on gait data gained from healthy individuals. However, natural motion exhibits variability among individuals and may not consider requirements of persons using assistive devices. A parametric study is performed examining the impact of varying gait characteristics on the energy consumption and constraints of an optimized (clutchable) series elastic actuator of the knee joint. Furthermore, friction parameters are varied to analyze the impact on actuator constraints. Results of the parametric study indicate increased energy consumption for a slower cadence compared to the healthy gait data for both systems. The clutchable series elastic actuator is less impacted by constraints than the series elastic actuator. The utilized models are evaluated experimentally at a test bench, indicating good accordance to the measured energy consumption. The results highlight the interrelation of friction and gait parameters with energy consumption and actuator constraints and indicate that the optimization procedure for the actuator design requires detailed models of component efficiency as well as subject-specific gait characteristics. ; Postprint (author's final draft)


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Compliant gait assistance triggered by user intention

    Rajasekaran, Vijaykumar / Aranda López, Juan / Casals Gelpi, Alicia | BASE | 2015

    Free access

    Spatial-temporal parameters of gait

    Giacomozzi, Claudia / Macellari, Velio / Saggini, Raoul et al. | TIBKAT | 1995


    A new adaptive frequency oscillator for gait assistance

    Keehong Seo, / SeungYong Hyung, / Byung Kwon Choi, et al. | IEEE | 2015


    Gait recognition using a few gait frames.

    Yao, L / Kusakunniran, W / Wu, Q et al. | BASE | 2021

    Free access