Electronically adjustable joint, and associated systems and methods
US10909884B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0146
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is an electronically adjustable joint, and associated systems and methods. A joint position of a multiple-axis joint, e.g., a 3-axis joint, can be tracked, as the joint moves through two or more dimensions. In an illustrative embodiment, the joint can provide a mechanical equivalent of a physical joint, e.g., a shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, which can accommodate motion in rotational angle and/or tilt angle. In some embodiments, the joint includes electronically adjustable friction. An illustrative application provide electronically adjustable joints for an aging simulation suit, wherein one or more joints can be controllably stiffened in selective ranges, such that a wearer of the suit can experience the effects of aging, arthritis and/or other ailments. In an illustrative embodiment, a sensor can use four discrete 2-axis magnetometers to calculate the position of the magnet on the arm of the joint, to continuously sense and track the angle of the joint. In some embodiments, the system includes a mechanism, e.g., a servo, which can controllably tighten a socket around a ball joint, wherein the system can controllably adjust friction on the joint.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.