Compliant joint
US4932806A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/54
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A compliant joint is provided for prosthetic and robotic devices which permits rotation in three different planes. The joint provides for the controlled use of cable under motion. Perpendicular outer mounting frames are joined by swaged cables that interlock at a center block. Ball bearings allow for the free rotation of the second mounting frame relative to the first mounting frame within a predetermined angular rotation that is controlled by two stop devices. The cables allow for compliance at the stops and the cables allow for compliance in six degrees of freedom enabling the duplication or simulation of the rotational movement and flexibility of a natural hip or knee joint, as well as the simulation of a joint designed for a specific robotic component for predetermined design parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.