Design and evaluation of a modularized ankle-foot orthosis with quick release mechanism

Ankle foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness affects ankle range of motion but can also provide energy storage and return to improve mobility. To perform multiple activities during the day, a person may want to change their AFO stiffness to meet their activity's demand. Carrying multiple AFOs and changing AFOs is inconvenient and could discourage users from engaging in multiple activities. This project will develop a new quick-release mechanism (QRM) that allows users to easily change posterior strut elements to change AFO stiffness. The QRM attaches to the AFO and requires no tools to operate. The proposed QRM includes a quick-release key, weight-bearing pin, receptacle anchor, and immobilization pin. A prototype was modelled with SolidWorks and simulated with SolidWorks Simulation. The QRM was designed to have no mechanical failure during intense activities such as downhill walking and jogging. Unlike a solid screw connection, the QRM needed an additional part to eliminate unsecured motion related to clearance between the quick release key and receptacle anchor. Mechanical test results and measurement data proved no deformation on each part after mechanical testing.Clinical Relevance- The quick release AFO has the potential to improve user's activities range by tuning from stiffness free mode to high stiffness mode.