This design solution features a curved 6061-T6 Aluminum base that exhibits spring-like behavior, lined with ethylene propylene diene monomer.
Design inspiration was drawn from the ‘Cheetah’ running blade used by Paralympic athletes. It stores and releases energy during a user’s swing phase for decreased user energy expenditure.
An additional reinforcing layer was added on top of the original curve to increase the spring constant (thus increasing the stiffness). Buckles with set screws clamp the reinforcer curve in place, along with a flathead screw connecting the bottom of the curves. The layered curve design functions similarly to a leaf spring in a car suspension system.
