Sensing system and method for motion-controlled foot unit
US7531006B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/7645
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for sensing movement of a device associated with a limb. In one example, a prosthetic or orthotic system includes a sensor assembly configured to measure movement of a component of the system in a single direction while substantially isolating negative effects of forces and/or loads in other directions. For instance, the sensor assembly may be advantageously coupled to a pivot assembly configured to substantially mimic a natural ankle joint. The sensor assembly may monitor rotation of a foot unit about an axis of a pivot pin of the pivot assembly and disregard other movements and/or forces. For example, the sensor assembly may include a potentiometer that detects rotation of an associated elongated bellow portion about the axis, wherein the bellow portion includes a plurality of ridges configured to substantially eliminate effects of radial and/or axial forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.