Semi-passive control system and method for assistive orthoses

US10729610B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Robert Peter Matthew · Berkeley, US
• Eric Mica · Mountain View, US
• Waiman Meinhold · Atlanta, US
• Joel Alfredo Loeza · Bakersfield, US
• Ruzena Bajcsy · Berkeley, US
• Masayoshi Tomizuka · Berkeley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 18, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 4, 2020
• Expiry date: Oct 6, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61H2230/605
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Semi-passive control system (10) comprises a pneumatic spring actuator (16), a pressure regulator (22) in communication with the pneumatic spring actuator (16), a hydraulic locking actuator (18), a hydraulic valve (20) in communication with actuator (18), a power source (14), a pulley wheel (42), and a cable (46) having a first end in contact with pulley wheel (42), first and second side portions (50, 56) extending from opposing sides of pulley wheel (42), and a second end adapted to connect to an orthosis device (76). At least one cable clamp (62) attaches to second side portion (56) of cable (46) and interconnects cable (46) to shafts (112b, 118b) of actuators (16, 18). A central control unit (12) includes a processor (13a) and a computer readable storage medium (13b) having program instructions stored thereon for execution by the central control unit to adjust stiffness, damping or stiffness and damping parameters.