Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems

US9345592B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bionx Medical Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Hugh M. Herr · Somerville, US
• Rick Casler · Cambridge, US
• Christopher M. Nook · Galion, US
• Alexander S. Margolin · Solon, US
• Kristin J. Size · Waltham, US
• Matthew T. Kowalczyk · Boston, US
• Robert W. Spaller · Amesbury, US
• Gregory K. Thompson · Huntsville, US
• Timothy M. Dalrymple · Deltona, US
• Seth S. Kessler · Newton, US
• David W. Murray · Brownsboro, US
• Christopher Eric Barnhart · Carlisle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 1, 2009
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H02K7/116
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.