Development of a Gait Feedback Control System for Ankle Foot Orthoses with a Penumatic Passive Element

Abstract

A control system of a clutch mechanism with a pneumatic passive element is developed for Ankle Foot Orthoses. This systein consists of an internal pressure control system and a gait sensor system, and is small enough to mount on ankle foot orthoses. A gait sensor system distinguishes walking phases, and the pressure control system adjusts a. maximum constraint force of a clutch system with the sensor signal. Experiments are executed to confirm the validity of the system.