Computer-Aided Design of Polycentric Knee Mechanisms

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to relate in capsule form the present status of a research and development effort on polycentric knee mechanisms for above knee (thigh) and through knee amputees. The method employs a mathematical model of a four bar mechanism which is optimized by a rotation of co-ordinates technique on a digital computer. The optimization is based on a predetermined criterion function which in turn is dependant upon the requirements and restraints of a specific mechanism.