Prosthetic ankle and foot combination
US9132023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0033
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion directions. The mechanism also provides for adjustment of a second piston element with respect to a shin component when a first valve is closed and a locking valve is open to adjust a reference angular position independently of the damping function that occurs during walking. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.