Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics

• US 10,369,025 B2
• Filed: 10/06/2016
• Issued: 08/06/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ossur Iceland ehf
• Original Assignee: Ossur Iceland ehf
• Inventors: Clausen, Arinbjorn Viggo, Oddsson, Magnus
• Primary Examiner(s): Dougherty, Sean P
• Application Number:
  US15/287,577
• Publication Number:
  US 20170119552A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,034 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/66 Feet; Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/70 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/76 Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5055 Reinforcing prostheses by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping, e.g. carbon fibre composites
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6614 Feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6621 Toes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6642 Heels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6657 having a plate-like or strip-like spring element, e.g. an energy-storing cantilever spring keel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6671 C-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6685 S-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/704 computer-controlled, e.g. robotic control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/705 Electromagnetic data transfer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7635 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7645 for measuring torque, e.g. hinge or turning moment, moment of force
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/769 Displaying measured values
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7695 Means for testing non-implantable prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2005/0188 having pressure sensors

Abstract

Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Claims

1. A system for providing artificial proprioceptive feedback from a prosthetic foot, the system comprising:

a prosthetic foot operatively coupled to an amputated lower limb of a user;

a sensor system configured to be placed on the prosthetic foot, the sensor system comprising at least one sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the prosthetic foot;

a processor configured to process data from the at least one sensor to determine a condition of the prosthetic foot; and

a user interface configured to provide artificial proprioception to the user based on the data, the user interface configured to be worn by the user at a location on the user'"'"'s body remote from the prosthetic foot.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to receive signals from the processor via wireless communication.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to provide artificial proprioception to the user via non-electrical sensory feedback.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the condition of the prosthetic foot is a stage of a gait cycle of the user.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is a remote processing unit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to determine the condition of the prosthetic foot by determining whether the data is inside or outside of a predetermined range or exceeds a threshold value.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor system is located on a top surface of the prosthetic foot.

8. A system for providing artificial proprioceptive feedback from a prosthetic foot, the system comprising:

a sensor system configured to be placed on a prosthetic foot operatively coupled to an amputated lower limb of a user, the sensor system comprising at least one sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the prosthetic foot;

a processor configured to process data from the at least one sensor to determine a condition of the prosthetic foot; and

a user interface configured to provide artificial proprioception to the user based on the data, the user interface configured to be worn by the user at a location on the user'"'"'s body remote from the prosthetic foot.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the user interface is configured to receive signals from the processor via wireless communication.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the user interface is configured to provide artificial proprioception to the user via non-electrical sensory feedback.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the condition of the prosthetic foot is a stage of a gait cycle of the user.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is a remote processing unit.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to determine the condition of the prosthetic foot by determining whether the data is inside or outside of a predetermined range or exceeds a threshold value.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensor system is located on a top surface of the prosthetic foot.