Non-Energized Above-Knee Prosthesis Enabling Stair's Walking-New Design Aimed at Practical Usage-

This paper deals with an above-knee prosthesis that allows stair ascending/descending with no external energy source. It has a key mechanism that interlocks knee joint and ankle joint hydraulically, of which interlocking strength is adjustable by a flow control valve (FCV) equipped in the hydraulic system. Our previous study certified that the experimental AKP allows step-over-step gait in stair ascending and a slight knee flexion at the initial stage of the stance phase in level ground walking observed in non-amputees' walking. This paper reports a new design of the AKP aiming for a practical usage and cosmetically desirable.