Dun dun dun...

Hello Readers!

It's time we cover that daunting, merciless, and most unnerving topic. If you haven't guessed it yet, we're talking about engineering. But don't fret! I'll keep this simple (as far as simplicity goes) and to the point. Please refer to the picture of the BiOM below, the diagram which describe its components and the human ankle-foot system.

BiOM

BiOM Components

Human Foot + Muscles

In the second picture on the diagram, we have the following: the motor spins the wheel closest to the right, which is hooked to a belt. This spinning, forces a motion in the belt, which, in turn, spins the left wheel. This left wheel is attached to a screw (the ball screw), this spinning then pushes downward on the heel, which pushes the series spring. But to counteract this motion, there is pull upwards on the parallel spring. This push and pull motion is to prevent the device from slamming down--it allows for more control. For example, when we walk, each push downward is managed and controlled, instead of slammed down. This is done by our body's force on the heel and the muscles at the front of our leg pulling up at the same time. The BiOM solves for this with a push on the series spring and a pull on the parallel spring. 

I hope I made this as logical as one can make the inner mechanism of a motorized prosthetic device for you all! 

Until next time, 

Pooja