Variable mechanical-impedance artificial legs
US8551184B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0169
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.