This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University London.The work performed in this thesis involves the study of human hip joint kinematics
and load analysis. Such analyses are very useful for investigating mobility and natural
functionality as well as the variation in motion due to replacement implants. The
objective of this study is to design, build and testing of a universal human joint
simulator that is configurable to hold several human joints and easily programmable to
create the required motion. This was performed by creating a Stewart Platform, which is
capable of moving in all six degrees of freedom; the maximum number needed by any
human joint. Many specific human joint simulators are available on the market for simulating all
major human limbs. These are used for wear testing replacement joints by using high
load repetitive motion. These systems have a predetermined limit degree of movement
and are very expensive; if one wanted to emulate another joint, one would have to
purchase a whole new system. This novel system compromises of a three-phase power supply, Control Area
Network with six actuators and drivers, a force reading clamp with strain gauges and
data logger. A user friendly computer program was developed that is able to derive joint
movement data from two inputs and replicating the movement by driving the platform,
as well as recording force and displacement data from the joint. The product would be
marketed towards biomechanical researchers and implant designers. Verification of this system was performed by simulating the human hip joint. A known combination of kinematic and force data were inputted into the system for nine different types of activities. The resultant force and joint centre displacement was then compared to see how well the system perform in comparison to the inputted data from a
previous study. The outcome of this project is a fully functional machine and configurable program
that can create movement data at varying speeds and body weights; which is also able to
drive the human joint simulator. The design also costs a fraction of any industrial joint
simulator. It is hoped that the simulator will allow easier study of both the kinematics and load
analysis within the human joints, with the intent on aiding investigation into mobility and functionality; as well as variation in motion caused by a replacement implant
