Dein Shaw1,2, Chih-Ren Huang2, Li-Cheng Huang2
CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.11, No.3, pp. 229-242, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2009.011.229
Abstract In this study, a method for designing an in-plane, free-form, beam-type spring for use in a lower-limb orthosis was developed. A spring designed by this method follows a predefined relationship between loading and displacement. To facilitate the analysis of the spring, it was divided into several beam segments. The stiffness equations related to loading (including moment and force) and displacements (linear and rotation) of each beam segment were found to follow a modified (non-linear) Castigliano's second theorem (NCST) and were assembled by using the continuity of nodal points of neighbouring curve segments. Using the proposed… More >