Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a prototype of prosthetic sport foot for amputee long jump based on our simultaneous optimization simulation of both prosthesis shape and takeoff action. Elastic property of the prosthetic foot was modeled by the flat spring design formulas. The simultaneous optimization results demonstrated a straight shape at the end part of the prosthetic foot and a takeoff motion achieved a jump distance of over 7 m. Two-dimensional design drawings were drawn from the optimized design parameters such as arc lengths and curvatures of the arc elements of the prosthetic foot shape. Moreover, nonlinear elastic properties were quantified by a virtual elasticity test in a computer in which the mechanical relationship between the external load and flexibility at the tip of the prosthetic foot was investigated two-dimensionally. We asked a specialized company to select prepreg materials and to design the laminates according to the above information. We also asked them to produce a prototype of the prosthetic foot made with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The proposed prosthetic foot will be evaluated by the target amputee athlete in the future.
