Multi-axis, programmable spine testing system
First Claim
1. A system for testing a coupled joint, the coupled joint mounted within the system to have a fixed end and a moving end, comprising:
- an actuation system operatively connected to the moving end of the coupled joint for imparting at least four degrees of freedom, the four degrees of freedom comprising a first translational degree of freedom along a first translational axis, a second translational degree of freedom along a second translational axis, the first and second translational axes forming a first plane of motion, a first rotational degree of freedom about a first rotational axis orthogonal to the first plane of motion, and a second rotational degree of freedom about a second rotational axis orthogonal to the first rotational axis and moving within the first plane of motion;
a first force sensor disposed between the actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied force; and
a controller for applying selected forces, motions, or combinations thereof, to the moving end of the coupled joint within the four degrees of freedom.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A biomechanical system for testing a coupled joint is provided. The coupled joint has a fixed first end and a moving second end within the testing system. The testing system includes a servo actuation system operatively connected to the moving end. The system is able to impart at least four degrees of freedom to the moving end of the coupled joint. The testing system also includes a first force sensor disposed between the servo actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied load, and a second force sensor disposed at the fixed end of the coupled joint for sensing transmitted load. The system also includes a controller for selectively directing input signals to the servo actuation system in order to apply selected forces and/or motions to the moving end of the coupled joint. The coupled joint may be a cervical spine specimen.
34 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A system for testing a coupled joint, the coupled joint mounted within the system to have a fixed end and a moving end, comprising:
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an actuation system operatively connected to the moving end of the coupled joint for imparting at least four degrees of freedom, the four degrees of freedom comprising a first translational degree of freedom along a first translational axis, a second translational degree of freedom along a second translational axis, the first and second translational axes forming a first plane of motion, a first rotational degree of freedom about a first rotational axis orthogonal to the first plane of motion, and a second rotational degree of freedom about a second rotational axis orthogonal to the first rotational axis and moving within the first plane of motion;
a first force sensor disposed between the actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied force; and
a controller for applying selected forces, motions, or combinations thereof, to the moving end of the coupled joint within the four degrees of freedom. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for testing a coupled joint, the coupled joint mounted within the system to have a fixed end and a moving end, comprising:
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a control actuation system operatively connected to the moving end of the coupled joint for imparting at least four degrees of freedom;
a first force sensor disposed between the actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied force;
a second force sensor disposed at the fixed end of the coupled joint for sensing transmitted force; and
a controller for selectively directing input signals to the control actuation system in order to simultaneously apply selected forces and motions to the moving end of the coupled joint such that a loading pattern is provided that correlates to a human physiologic response.
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28. A system for testing a coupled joint, the coupled joint mounted within the system to have a fixed end and a moving end, comprising:
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a control actuation system operatively connected to the moving end of the coupled joint for imparting six degrees of freedom, the six degrees of freedom comprising three substantially orthogonal translation axes in a Cartesian coordinate system, and three rotational axes;
a first force sensor disposed between the control actuation system and the moving end of the coupled joint for sensing applied force; and
a controller for selectively directing input signals to the control actuation system in order to apply selected forces, motions, or combinations thereof, to the moving end of the coupled joint within the six degrees of freedom. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
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Specification