Intelligent orthosis
US7578799B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0169
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthotic frame has proximal and distal frame members joined by a knee joint, and a foot support joined by an ankle joint to a distal end of the distal frame. A knee actuator connected between the proximal and distal frame members has a selective stiffness allowing selection of a relatively rigid stiffness during stance and a relatively flexible stiffness during swing. The stiffness of the knee actuator is selected according to the gait cycle, either mechanically according to dorsal flexion of the ankle joint or electronically according to gait cycle phases recognized based on read sensor data. An ambulatory unit gathers data from sensors located on the orthotic frame. Sensor data may be provided to a base unit for diagnostic and biomechanical evaluation, or evaluated by the ambulatory unit to control active components of the orthotic frame according to the recognized gait cycle phases for functional compensation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.