Apparatuses and methods for harvesting energy from prosthetic limbs
US8928161B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/708
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a prosthetic limb, wherein the prosthetic limb has motion in at least one degree of freedom, may include a hydraulic amplifier mechanically coupled with a generator. The hydraulic amplifier may include an input member configured to receive an input motion when a first motion in a degree of freedom of the prosthetic limb causes pressure and motion of hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic amplifier is configured to amplify the input motion of the input member to a greater output motion. The generator is configured to convert mechanical energy of the output motion into corresponding electrical energy delivered to one of an electrical load and an electrical storage reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.