Biomechanics

The design has been refined and field tested by an
international team of researchers, including Dr. Tim
Bryant (Human Mobility Research Centre, Queen's
University and Kingston General Hospital, Canada)
and Ing. Heinz Trebbin (Universidad Don Bosco, El Salvador).
The Niagara Foot Keel is comprised of a number of sections.
The design concept was to develop an adjustable dynamic
keel that, if desired, could be cosmetically enhanced using
standard cosmetic foot shells. The keel has five main
sections consisting of the Platform, Dynamic C Coil, Horns,
Heel Lever and the Forefoot Lever (see image below).

The way it functions is at heel strike, the platform starts to open
and flex upwards. At the same time it will open the gap that is
between the platform and the horns. That motion relies on having
the proper flexibility in the Dynamic C Coil.

As the foot moves into mid-stance and the patient moves forward
the foot is placed in neutral. There is now floor contact at both the
heel and the forefoot. This causes the gap to close making the
system stiffer but maintaining some flexibility. At this stage the
horns and platform come in contact which helps to transfer energy
to the Forefoot Lever. In the toe off phase of the cycle the Forefoot
Lever is loaded which transfers energy into the follow through phase
of the cycle.