Terrain adaptive powered joint orthosis
US9687377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2205/102
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.