Prosthetic ankle and foot combination
US7985265B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0033
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and/or walking environment, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.