Impact of friction and gait parameters on the optimization of series elastic actuators for gait assistance
Stuhlenmiller F, Clos D, Rinderknecht S, Beckerle P, Font-Llagunes JM (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Journal
Book Volume: 133
Pages Range: 737-749
DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2018.12.009
Abstract
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.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Germany (DE)
Polytechnic University of Catalonia / Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Spain (ES)
Germany (DE)
Polytechnic University of Catalonia / Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Spain (ES)
How to cite
APA:
Stuhlenmiller, F., Clos, D., Rinderknecht, S., Beckerle, P., & Font-Llagunes, J.M. (2019). Impact of friction and gait parameters on the optimization of series elastic actuators for gait assistance. Mechanism and Machine Theory, 133, 737-749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2018.12.009
MLA:
Stuhlenmiller, Florian, et al. "Impact of friction and gait parameters on the optimization of series elastic actuators for gait assistance." Mechanism and Machine Theory 133 (2019): 737-749.
BibTeX: Download