Abstract
In this study, new design method of prosthetic foot was suggested which can evaluate the performance of prosthetic foot by implementing amputee's gait simulation using the finite element analysis. The basic shape of ESPF(Energy Storing Prosthetic Foot) was designed which is suitable for the below-knee amputee considering mechanical properties and kinematic properties. And, the performance evaluations were performed using the Taguchi method with orthogonal array L25. As a result, average main effect of factors for the ESPF's performance were calculated and then optimum condition of given shape was selected. Essential particulars for the performance evaluation from the simulation result were the quantity of external work needed in stance phase, the quantity of transferred energy from the ESPF through the knee, and the vertical displacement of knee at toe-off. Reasonable optimum condition was obtained from the using performance index. From this study, it was found that it is necessary for the design of ESPF to consider the geometrical data related to the magnitude of load on elastic material.