Biologically-inspired joints and systems and methods of use thereof

US10632626B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute · US

Inventors

• Marko Popovic · Worcester, US
• Matthew Paul Bowers · Worcester, US
• Thane R. Hunt · Worcester, US
• Lynn Robert Koesterman · Worcester, US
• Michael Pickett · Boston, US
• Richard Matthew Rafferty · Worcester, US
• Saivimal Sridar · Worcester, US
• Seiichiro Ueda · Worcester, US
• Varun Visnudas Verlencar · Worcester, US
• Amaid Zia · Worcester, US
• Ananth Jonnavittula · Worcester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 7, 2017
• Grant date: Apr 28, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 7, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S901/09
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a biologically-inspired robotic device comprising: a first member; a second member pivotably connected to the first member; one or more actuators; and a coupler/decoupler mechanism (CDC) selectively coupling or decoupling of the one or more actuators to the second member, such that, when the one or more actuators are coupled to the second member, the one or more actuators act to pivot the second member relative to the first member.