Patent · US Active

Walking assist device

US9216131B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
4References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 13, 2009
Grant dateDec 22, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 19, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61H2205/102
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

To provide a walking assist device which can apply torque to a knee joint at a suitable timing. A walking assist device includes an actuator, a reaction force sensor and an angle sensor. The walking assist device is fitted to a user's leg. The actuator is able to apply torque to a knee joint of one leg of the user. The reaction force sensor detects a reaction force that the foot of the one leg receives from the floor. The angle sensor detects a hip joint angle of the one leg around a pitch axis. The walking assist device specifies a timing to start applying the torque to the knee joint in a direction that swings the lower leg backward, based on the detected reaction force and the detected hip joint angle.

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