Finite Element Analysis of a Novel Active Ankle-Foot Prosthesis for Improved Load Distribution
摘要
This work presents a structural evaluation of an ankle-foot prosthesis developed from a high-resolution 3D laser scan of the human foot. The acquired geometry was used to create a detailed mechanical model in SolidWorks. An ABS prototype was manufactured exclusively for early-stage kinematic validation and verification of the actuation mechanism, whereas the structural performance of the final design was assessed through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using AISI 304 stainless steel material properties. Three static load cases 800 N, 1000 N, and 1200 N were applied to represent the vertical forces acting on the foot during the midstance phase of walking. The Finite Element Method was employed to evaluate the distributions of Von Mises stress, total displacement, and equivalent strain within the structure. The numerical results revealed a consistent response across all load cases, with stress and strain primarily concentrated in the mid-section transition zone of the foot plate, where geometric changes govern load transfer. For AISI 304, all computed values remained well within the elastic range. The maximum displacement did not exceed 0.15 mm, confirming sufficient structural stiffness, while strain levels increased proportionally with load without approaching plastic deformation. Overall, the findings confirm that the proposed geometry and mechanical layout are structurally safe when evaluated with AISI 304 stainless steel, making it suitable for the final prosthesis design. The ABS prototype should be regarded solely as a laboratory test platform for kinematic and functional verification. The presented analysis provides a reliable basis for further refinement of anatomically accurate and mechanically robust ankle-foot prosthesis systems.