Actuator system with a multi-motor assembly for extending and flexing a joint
US8058823B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2025/2081
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An actuator system for extending and flexing a joint, including a multi-motor assembly for providing a rotational output, a rotary-to-linear mechanism for converting the rotational output from the multi-motor assembly into an extension and flexion of the joint, and a controller for operating the actuator system in several operational modes. The multi-motor assembly preferably combines power from two different sources, such that the multi-motor assembly can supply larger forces at slower speeds (“Low Gear”) and smaller forces at higher speeds (“High Gear”). The actuator has been specifically designed for extending and flexing a joint (such as an ankle, a knee, an elbow, or a shoulder) of a human. The actuator system may, however, be used to move any suitable object through any suitable movement (linear, rotational, or otherwise).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.