Fluent walking
This prosthetic knee joint disposes of a quick exhaust
valve. During development of this joint, it was noticeable,
that during fast walking at the beginning of the forward
motion of the prosthesis leg, an air spring, which was too
strong, effected the prosthesis joint; walking appeared to be unphysiological. The leg moved
forward too quickly and could not be slowed down
enough effectively. The solution: An iglidur® J piston
ring from igus®. The axial play of the piston ring in the
ring groove is simultaneously used to switch the quick
exhaust valve. The axial movement of the piston is a
few tenths of a millimetre only, but it is enough to get
rid of an air cushion that disturbs in the swing phase
at the right time.
