Pst Designs Power Nut and Screw for First Bionic Foot in World

Muskego, WI, July 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Precision Screw Thread Corp. collaborated with Ossur, a Iceland based bionic technology firm, in designing a power screw and nut set for the world’s first truly bionic prosthetic foot, the PROPRIO FOOT® . According to Ossur, the PROPIO FOOT® “thinks for itself, responding beautifully to changing terrain and transforming the approach to stairs and slopes, as well as level-ground walking. Angling itself appropriately, it also helps amputees to sit and stand up easily and more naturally.”

PST’s goal was to develop a power screw and nut set that replicates the mechanical function of the human ankle, which powers the toe pitch. While designing the power screw and nut set for the intelligent ankle module, Precision Screw Thread Corp. was presented with a array of challenges. The biggest challenge was engineering a highly precise and smooth moving power nut and screw that had minimal axial and radial play. All the while keeping the weight and design envelope to an absolute minimum.

Over the course of months PST created the most efficient nut and screw set ever designed in their 58 year history. In doing so PST was able to reduce much of the sliding friction and achieved nearly 60% efficiency within the nut and screw package.

However, these efforts encompass a much more important goal. To help facilitate a higher quality of life for trans-tibial amputees, by creating a mechanical device that functions as close to the human foot as possible. PST is both proud and pleased to have been able to contribute to such a life-changing product.

More info on the PROPIO FOOT® can be found here:

http://www.precisionscrewthread.com/

http://blog.precisionscrewthread.com/2010/06/30/pst-designs-power-nut-and-screw-for-worlds-first-bionic-foot/

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