Orthotic device drive system and method
US11007105B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2018 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2019/0695
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthosis includes a first portion and a second portion configured to attach on opposite sides of a joint. An actuator is configured to apply a force between the first and second portions. The actuator includes a first spool and a second spool rotatably mounted to the first portion. An output pulley is mounted to the second portion. A belt has a first end wrapped around the first spool, a second end wrapped around the second spool, and a mid-portion wrapped around the output pulley. The actuator is configured to rotate the first and second spools. The rotation of the first spool pulls the belt a given length, and the rotation of the second spool feeds the belt less than the given length, so as to pull the output pulley towards the first portion to pull the second portion towards the first portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.