A Numerical Feasibility Study of Kinetic Energy Harvesting from Lower Limb Prosthetics

Jia, Yu; Wei, Xueyong; Pu, Jie; Xie, Pengheng; Wen, Tao; Wang, Congsi; Lian, Peiyuan; Xue, Song; Shi, Yu

doi:10.3390/en12203824

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…This field has been using composite materials to reduce equipment weight; take as examples, bicycles, tennis racquets, skis and even racing prosthetics (Figure 45). This field uses FEM in its projects as a way to determine geometries that have high resistance and lower weight to improve the athletes' performances [253,[324][325][326][327][328][329][330].…”

Section: Sportsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of the Finite Element Method in the Analysis of Composite Materials: A Review

et al. 2020

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The use of composite materials in several sectors, such as aeronautics and automotive, has been gaining distinction in recent years. However, due to their high costs, as well as unique characteristics, consequences of their heterogeneity, they present challenging gaps to be studied. As a result, the finite element method has been used as a way to analyze composite materials subjected to the most distinctive situations. Therefore, this work aims to approach the modeling of composite materials, focusing on material properties, failure criteria, types of elements and main application sectors. From the modeling point of view, different levels of modeling—micro, meso and macro, are presented. Regarding properties, different mechanical characteristics, theories and constitutive relationships involved to model these materials are presented. The text also discusses the types of elements most commonly used to simulate composites, which are solids, peel, plate and cohesive, as well as the various failure criteria developed and used for the simulation of these materials. In addition, the present article lists the main industrial sectors in which composite material simulation is used, and their gains from it, including aeronautics, aerospace, automotive, naval, energy, civil, sports, manufacturing and even electronics.

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Section: Sportsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of the Finite Element Method in the Analysis of Composite Materials: A Review

et al. 2020

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“…In fact, the wearable harvester attached onto a human body can function at any movable location theoretically because it follows the human body motion [106]. So various energy sources can be found, and more biomechanical energy can be captured from footfalls to vibration, or even inertia energy to aid limb motion [107]. Furthermore, since the generator produces alternating current, it must be converted into DC power.…”

Section: Use Of Regenerative Energymentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Human Walking Induced Energy Harvesting Technologies and Its Possibility for Walking Robotics

2019

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This study is mainly to provide an overview of human walking induced energy harvest. Focusing on the proportion of all energy sources provided by daily activity, the available human walking induced energy is divided with respect to the generation principle. The extensive research on harvesting energy results from body vibration, inertial element, and foot press to convert into electricity is overviewed. Over the past decades, various smart materials have been employed to achieve energy conversion. Generators based on electromagnetic induction or the triboelectric effect were developed and integrated. Small captured power and low overall efficiency are criticized. The concept of human walking energy harvest is extended into the wearable walking robotics using other mediums, such as fluid, to transmit power instead of electricity. By comparison, it is indicated that less energy conversion links are involved in energy regeneration of such applications and expected to guarantee less loss and higher efficiency. Meanwhile, in order to overcome the shortage of relatively low power output, comments are made that the harvester should be capable of adaptation under the condition that the mechanical energy of lower limb and feet is subject to change in different gait phases so as to maximize the collected energy.

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“…Recently, researchers have also explored the potential of harvesting energy from the movement and mechanical forces experienced during walking or running [37][38][39]. This could be an important step for advancement in prosthetics technology since the harvested energy could be used to power various components of the prosthesis, such as motors, sensors, or microprocessors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamic Analysis of a High-Performance Prosthetic Leg: Experimental Characterisation and Numerical Modelling

Barattini,

Dimauro,

Vella

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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In recent years, significant improvements in the design of leg blade prosthetics have been carried out. After several advances in material and topological optimisations, sport-purpose feet prosthetics have reached high-level performances, allowing athletes with limb loss to participate in various sport activities at a competitive level. Since the knowledge of prosthetic mechanical behaviour is crucial for its optimal design, specific studies are required to meet the anthropometric characteristics of the athlete. This research work is focused on investigating the dynamic behaviour of a running blade prosthetic and developing a validated prosthetic model, placing particular emphasis on the definition of suitable material properties. An experimental modal analysis is performed on the Cheetah Xcel, Össur lower limb prosthetic. In contrast with what has already been presented in the literature, a roving hummer test under free–free conditions is proposed here to avoid the uncertainties due to constraint conditions. For the first time, blade prosthetic dynamic characteristics in free–free conditions are presented. Additionally, a novel Finite Element model of the prosthetic is developed and tuned on the basis of the experimental results. The modal assurance criterion index is exploited to compare experimental and numerical mode shapes. Starting from frequency response functions, the first six mode shapes are experimentally identified in the frequency range up to 750 Hz, including both bending and torsion. As expected, the bending in the vertical plane constitutes the primary mode shape: this kind of flexion enhances energy storage, enabling athletes to achieve an optimal running gait. This study shows the dynamic modal behaviour of a lower limb prosthetic in free–free conditions and demonstrates that a traditional isotropic material is not suitable in describing its dynamic features. The development of a model that exploits orthotropic material properties improves the alignment between experimental and numerical outcomes. This result is in agreement with the material composition of the prosthetic, which consists of carbon fibre layers.

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A Numerical Feasibility Study of Kinetic Energy Harvesting from Lower Limb Prosthetics

Cited by 9 publications

References 40 publications

Application of the Finite Element Method in the Analysis of Composite Materials: A Review

Application of the Finite Element Method in the Analysis of Composite Materials: A Review

Overview of Human Walking Induced Energy Harvesting Technologies and Its Possibility for Walking Robotics

Dynamic Analysis of a High-Performance Prosthetic Leg: Experimental Characterisation and Numerical Modelling

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