Passive mechanical exoskeleton to reduce hand fatigue
US9750290B2 · kind B2 · utility
3Cited by
10References
23Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0158
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A passive mechanical system comprising an unpowered exoskeleton to maintain static grip around an object via a tendon drive and ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism combines a passive cable retract and ratchet system with one or more cables acting as artificial tendons. When a user wishes to keep their hand in a specific position around an object, the ratchet system is engaged. A cable retract mechanisim keeps the artifical tendon taught at all times. The combination of these systems allows for the user to keep grip on objects without the need to input force over time thereby reducing fatigue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.