Ball screw and tensile member exoskeleton joint actuation device
US10702441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2025/2062
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An exoskeleton includes first and second supports coupled to an exoskeleton wearer, a joint connecting the first support to the second support and an actuator. The actuator includes a ball screw, a ball nut assembly coupled to the ball screw and first and second tensile members. The ball nut assembly has first and second cord reactors. The first tensile member is routed through the first cord reactor, and the second tensile member is routed through the second cord reactor. Movement of the ball nut assembly along the ball screw in a first direction causes the second support to move relative to the first support in a first rotational direction about the joint. Movement of the ball nut assembly along the ball screw in a second direction causes the second support to move relative to the first support in a second rotational direction about the joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.