The goal of this project was to increase the load-bearing capacity of a prosthetic foot keel for more active users in developing regions. The keel uses a controlled passive energy management system to store and release energy during the gait cycle.

This project enhanced my ability to analyze and implement the engineering design method. Our team was constantly challenged to display skills related to technical drawings, presentations and gait analysis using mechanics. 

The final design consisted of structural additions to the forefoot sole and ankle of the keel, which increased the energy stored and released during late-midstance of the gait cycle. The designed polyurethane additions increased the load-bearing capacity of the prosthetic keel up to 125 kg. Achieved a 25% improvement in mobility for lower-limb amputees, as accepted by DOI Ortho-Innovativ client in Germany.

The objective of this project was to decrease the overall mass of a Robertson-head screwdriver by analyzing the dimensions and applied loads through ANSYS. The bottom-up modelling approach was used.

A technical drawing of the structural geometry was used to section the screwdriver into 6 vertical layers.

Initial parametric variables were chosen to create a CAD model of the structure using SolidWorks, from which exact coordinates were identified for key points.

Maximum deflection and maximum stress occurred at the drill bit. Thus, the volume of the handle was minimized to the smallest dimension outlined in the design variable constraints.