Powered Orthotic Device and Method of Using Same

• US 20080071386A1
• Filed: 09/19/2007
• Published: 03/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Myomo, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Myomo, Inc.
• Inventors: Narendran, Kalais N., McBean, John M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,926,534 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/25
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1116 Determining posture transitions
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0127 for the feet A61F5/0111 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/013 for the arms, hands or fingers A61F5/0118 takes precedence

Abstract

A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively. The device further includes at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment. The device also includes and an electromyographic sensor and an actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, the actuator assembly mounted to the brace, and occupying a volume of which a majority is disposed proximately to the outside region of the brace, and coupled to the first and second sections of the brace so as to apply a force for driving the first and second sections about the pivot, the force based on signals from the electromyographic sensor.

Claims

1. A powered orthotic device comprising:

a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions of the brace respectively;

at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment;

an electromyographic sensor; and

an electrically powered actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, the actuator assembly mounted to the brace, and occupying a volume of which a majority is disposed proximately to the outside region of the brace, and coupled to the first and the second sections of the brace so as to apply a force for driving the first and second sections about the pivot, the force based on signals from the electromyographic sensor.

2. A device of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly includes a motor and the motor is disposed proximately to the outside region of the brace.

3. A device of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly includes a motor in a housing and a drive arrangement coupled to the motor, the housing disposed proximate to the pivot and coupled to the brace.

4. A device of claim 3, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to an axis of rotation of the joint.

5. A device of claim 3, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the joint.

6. A device of claim 1, further comprising a control system in communication with the electromyographic sensor and with the motor for controlling operating parameters of the device.

7. A device of claim 6, wherein the control system is in communication with the electromyographic sensor and the motor via a cable.

8. A device of claim 6, wherein the control system is in communication with the electromyographic sensor and the motor through a wireless system.

9. A device of claim 6, wherein the control system includes a user interface through which a user interacts with the device.

10. A device of claim 6, wherein the control system includes a processing system for receiving the signals from the electromyographic sensor and generating output signals to the motor.

11. A device of claim 10, wherein the processing system includes software for limiting a range of motion of the sections about the joint.

12. A device of claim 6, wherein the control system includes a data management system for storing data received from the device, from a user or both.

13. A device of claim 1, further comprising a user interface, in communication with the electromyographic sensor and the motor, through which a user interacts with the device.

14. A device of claim 1, further comprising a processing system, in communication with the electromyographic sensor and the motor, for receiving the signals from the electromyographic sensor and generating output signals to the motor.

15. A device of claim 14, wherein the processing system includes a data management system for storing data received from the device, from a user or both.

16. A device of claim 1, further comprising motion limits coupled to the drive assembly for limiting a range of motion of the sections about the joint.

17. A device of claim 16, wherein the motion limits are provided by mechanical stops, by sensors, or both.

18. A device of claim 1, further comprising a planetary gear head coupled to the motor and to the drive assembly.

19. A device of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly includes a chain and sprocket.

20. A device of claim 1, wherein the brace further includes at least one pad coupled to the first section, the second section, the pivot, or a combination thereof.

21. A device of claim 1, wherein the brace is removably attached to an arm and the pivot is proximate to an elbow.

22. A device of claim 1, wherein the brace is removably attached to an arm and a hand and the pivot is proximate to a wrist.

23. A device of claim 1, wherein the brace is removably attached to a hand and at least one finger and the pivot is proximate to a finger joint.

24. A device of claim 1, wherein the electromyographic sensor is coupled to at least one of the straps, to at least one of the sections, to a padding coupled to at least one of the sections, or a combination thereof.

25. A powered orthotic device comprising:

a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions;

at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment;

an electromyographic sensor;

an actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, the actuator assembly mounted to the brace and coupled to the first and the second sections of the brace so as to apply a force for driving the first and second sections about the pivot, the force based on signals from the electromyographic sensor;

a controller coupled to the actuator assembly that controls operation of the actuator assembly; and

a user interface, coupled to the controller, that permits user adjustment of force parameters of the actuator assembly.

26. A device of claim 25, wherein the user interface permits user adjustment of assistance levels in the flexion direction and the extension direction independently of one another.

27. A device of claim 25, wherein the user interface permits user adjustment of assistance levels while the device is in use.

28. A powered orthotic device comprising:

a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot;

at least one set of straps that removably attach the first section and the second section to a corresponding limb segment such that the pivot is proximate to a joint between each limb segment;

an electromyographic sensor;

an actuator assembly in communication with the electromyographic sensor, the actuator assembly mounted to the brace and coupled to the first and the second sections of the brace so as to apply a force for driving the first and second sections about the pivot, the force based on signals from the electromyographic sensor;

a controller coupled to the actuator assembly that controls operation of the actuator assembly; and

a user interface, coupled to the controller, that permits user selection of operational mode of the device from among at least two of high assist, low assist, resistive, therapeutic training, and functional assistive.

29. A device of claim 28, wherein the user interface permits a user selection of operational mode from among at least three of high assist, low assist, resistive, therapeutic training, and functional assistive.

30. A method of providing therapeutic training to a subject experiencing compromised functionality in moving a limb about a joint, the method comprising:

using an EMG-controlled orthotic device to restore at least partial functionality in moving the limb about the joint; and

in the course of using the orthotic device, having the subject perform a series of physical tasks requiring at least one of motion of the limb about the joint or locking of the limb in a fixed position relative to the joint.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing feedback while the subject performs a physical task or the series of physical tasks.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein providing feedback includes providing visual feedback of an EMG signal on a control screen while the subject performs the physical task or the series of physical tasks.

33. A method according to claim 30, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing an adjustment of level of assistance from the orthotic device.

34. A method according to claim 30, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing at least two levels of assistance during a physical task or the series of physical tasks, the two levels including a first level of assistance and an increased level of assistance relative to the first level of assistance.

35. A method according to claim 30, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing at least two levels of assistance during a physical task or the series of physical tasks, the two levels including a first level of assistance and a decreased level of assistance relative to the first level of assistance.

36. A method of providing therapeutic training to a subject experiencing compromised functionality in moving a limb about a joint, the method comprising:

determining an unassisted level of the subject'"'"'s functionality in moving the limb about the joint;

using an EMG-controlled orthotic device to restore at least partial functionality in moving the limb about the joint; and

in the course of using the orthotic device, having the subject perform a series of physical tasks associated with a new level of functionality higher than the unassisted level, so that the subject experiences movement patterns associated with the new level.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing feedback while the subject performs a physical task or the series of physical tasks.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein providing feedback includes providing visual feedback of an EMG signal on a control screen while the subject performs the physical task or the series of physical tasks.

39. A method according to claim 36, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing an adjustment of level of assistance from the orthotic device.

40. A method according to claim 36, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing at least two levels of assistance during a physical task or the series of physical tasks, the two levels including a first level of assistance and an increased level of assistance relative to the first level of assistance.

41. A method according to claim 36, wherein using the orthotic device includes providing at least two levels of assistance during a physical task or the series of physical tasks, the two levels including a first level of assistance and a decreased level of assistance relative to the first level of assistance.

42. A powered orthotic device for use by a user having a pair of limb segments movable with respect to a joint, the device comprising:

a brace having a first section and a second section, the sections operationally coupled to each other, each section corresponding to one of the pair of limb segments, the sections moving with respect to each other to define flexion and extension directions;

securing means for removably attaching at least one of the sections to its corresponding limb segment of the joint;

a control system;

an electromyographic sensor coupled to the control system;

an actuator assembly coupled to the control system so as to apply a force driving the first and second sections in at least one of the flexion and extension directions, the force based on signals from the electromyographic sensor; and

a user interface coupled to the control system, such interface accessible to and operable by the user in the course of operation of the device, by which the user may adjust at least one parameter affecting operation of the device.

43. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface is wearable on the user'"'"'s body.

44. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface is located on the brace.

45. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface is located on the control system.

46. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface comprises one or more of a knob, button, switch, touch sensor, display screen, touch screen, audio device, visual alarm, tactile transmitter, port for external connection.

47. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface includes at least one of knobs and levers for receiving mechanical input from the user.

48. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface provides at least one of tactile, visual, and audio feedback to the user.

49. A device according to claim 42, wherein the interface includes a display that reports usage data.

50. A device according to claim 49, wherein usage data include at least one of range of motion, number of repetitions, velocity, torque, force, position, rehabilitation progress, number of exercises completed, elapsed time, EMG amplitude, EMG activity, device settings.

51. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface is coupled to the control system by a wireless connection.

52. A device according to claim 42, wherein the control system may be coupled to the Internet, so that the device may communicate with a clinician remotely located.

53. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface permits adjustment of at least two of brace strength, system gains, system sensitivities, virtual spring parameters, EMG threshold values, maximum and minimum torques, operational range of motion, damping parameters, user feedback modes, and data logging parameters.

54. A device according to 42, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of level of assistance and level of resistance in at least one of flexion direction and extension direction.

55. A device according to claim 42, wherein the interface permits user selection of operational mode of the device.

56. A device according to claim 55, wherein the interface permits user selection of operational mode from among at least two of high assist, low assist, resistive, therapeutic training, functional assistive, bicep, tricep, passive, responsive, facilitation, and training session.

57. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface permits uploading of user profiles pertinent to operation of the device.

58. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface includes access control that restricts adjustment of selected parameters to individuals satisfying access criteria.

59. A device according to claim 42, wherein the user interface permits parameters affecting device operation in the flexion direction and parameters affecting device operation in the extension direction to be adjusted by the user independently of one another.