Semi-powered lower extremity exoskeleton
US8057410B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2201/5061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The lower extremity exoskeleton comprises two leg supports connectable to person's lower limbs and configured to rest on the ground during their stance phase. Each leg support comprises a thigh link and a shank link; a knee joint configured to allow flexion and extension between the shank link and the thigh link. The lower extremity exoskeleton further comprises an exoskeleton trunk connectable to the person'supper body. The exoskeleton trunk is connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk. Two torque generators are coupled to each of the knee joints. A power unit, capable of providing power, is coupled to the torque generators. In operation when a leg support is in a stance phase and climbing a slope or stairs, the power unit injects power into the respective torque generator thereby extending the respective knee angle. When a leg support is in stance phase and not climbing a slope or stairs, the power unit does not inject any power to the respective torque generator, but without dissipating any stored power in said power unit, it forces the torque generator to resist flexion of the res…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.