Spring engagement and disengagement during gait cycle
US12357487B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/164
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various embodiments that pertain to a joint-based spring configuration. The joint-based spring configuration can be employed during a gait cycle. A gait cycle can comprise a driven phase and a resetting phase. The driven phase can be when a foot is on the ground and the resetting phase can be when the foot is off the ground and moving to the next time the foot is on the ground. While the foot is on the ground a spring can be engaged such that it winds and unwinds. Conversely, when the foot is off the ground, the spring can be disengaged to allow a more natural movement for a wearer. The effects and timing of the winding/unwinding and disengagement of the spring combine to reduce a wear's energy expenditure over a gait cycle, reducing metabolic rate and fatigue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.