Powered ankle-foot prothesis

US8512415B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology · US

Inventors

• Hugh M. Herr · Somerville, US
• Jeff Weber · San Francisco, US
• Samuel Kwok Wai Au · Mountain View, US
• Bruce Wayne Deffenbaugh · Honolulu, US
• Lee Magnusson · San Francisco, US
• Andreas Hofmann · North Bend, US
• Benjamin B. Aisen · New York, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 12, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 20, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 12, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/7645
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.