In order for the group to figure out what our initial steps in designing a prosthetic foot are going to be we must brainstorm. Below is the brainstorming that we did in order to figure out the direction we would like to take this project towards.

Aluminum vs. Plastic Materials vs. Composite

Structure Shape and Mechanics

Hydraulics vs. Pneumatics vs. Motors
Rotary Joints vs. Pin Joints
Form and function to improve walking gait

After completing our initial brainstorming the team has now decided to pursue the following as our direction for the prosthetic foot design.

The project has been broken up into multiple pieces those being:

Mechanical Structure Design

-The mechanical structure of the prosthetic foot will be designed and initially tested using 3D parametric modeling extensively. A material study will be done in order to choose which material will be best for this application.

Microprocessor based controls

-The Arduino software platform will be used in order to control the electronic components of the prosthetic foot

Power System Design

-The power actuation of the foot will be accomplished using micro-hydraulics. Some of the components include a pump, recevoir, valves, oil, and tubing.

Testing Equipment Design