Patent · US Active

Joint actuation mechanism for a prosthetic and/or orthotic device having a compliant transmission

US8435309B2 · kind B2 · utility

88Cited by
81References
43Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 2008
Grant dateMay 7, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 19, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2220/0041
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.