DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF A PROSTHETIC KNEE

Abstract

This report shares the aim of the project, which is to be able to manufacture a prosthetic knee capable of performing the desired tasks. The report highlights the need of a prosthetic knee to be manufactured locally so that the people suffering from the Transfemoral Amputation can perform their daily tasks effectively. A detailed literature review has been carried out in order to meet our requirements. The Literature Review has been also covered in detail in this report and finally keeping in view all of the research and the resources of data the best possible solution is selected and then a comprehensive methodology has been devised to meet the requirements of a stable prosthetic knee capable of performing the required task. Kinematic analysis has been performed to find lengths of a four bar that is capable to provide a normal human gait without any discomfort to the user. The key aspect for reaching the conclusion about the link lengths is the stability of the prosthetic component. An extensive Finite Element Analysis has also been performed that shows the stresses developed inside our four-bar knee model to exhibit that the model does not fail when the weight is applied on it. This report also demonstrates the buckling and fatigue analysis done on our prosthetic knee to get a better design. Manufacturing plan has also been described in detail in the report. The report explains the prototype development by using 3D Printing technology and the problems encountered during the prototyping. So finally, this report also describes the decision of making our final product by CNC machining as it is a better option and more precise.