• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1998 no.11
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• pp.84-85
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• 1998

This study was conducted to characterize the gait of a person climbing or descending the stairs. Using our motion analysis system (Vicon 370), gait patterns of ten healthy females (18.8 - 19.6 yrs. old) were measured 1) when a subject tip-toed the stairs, 2) when a subject climbs the stairs with the whole foot, and 3) when a subject went down the stair, respectively. The results of each cases were compared with the data for the level walking collected from 21 healthy females in the previous studies. The stairway gait data can be used as a useful reference in the design of artificial limbs for the lower-limb amputee.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.769-776
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• 2013

The dynamic compliance characteristics of a prosthetic foot midgait are very important for natural performance in an amputee's gait and should be in a range that provides natural, stable walking. In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) and classical laminate theory were used to examine the mechanical characteristics of a carbon-epoxy composite laminate prosthetic foot as a function of variation in the lamination composition. From this analysis, an FEM model of a prosthetic keel, made from the composite material, was developed. The lamination composition of the keel was designed for improved stiffness. The prototype product was fabricated using an autoclave. Vertical loading response tests were performed to verify the simulation model. The results of the experiments were similar to those from simulations below the loading level of the gait, suggesting use of the proposed simulation model for prosthetic keel design.