Force transducer for a joint prosthesis
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A transducer for measuring forces between two components of a joint prosthesis, the transducer comprising:
- a central body having a plurality of spaced apart integral flexure members forming an upper surface of the central body wherein each flexure member is formed by a corresponding cavity of a plurality of spaced apart cavities;
a plate spaced apart from the upper surface;
a plurality of support posts connecting the plate to the central body wherein each support post is located within the perimeter edge of the plate and has a first end attached to only one of the flexure members, and a second end attached to the plate, the support posts localizing forces applied to the plate onto the flexure members; and
a force sensing element coupled to each flexure member, each force sensing element providing an output signal representative of the force applied to the corresponding flexure member.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A force transducer for a joint prosthesis is disclosed. The transducer includes A f5RUw,V,central body having a plurality of cavities formed therein from a lower surface. Each cavity defines a flexure member. A plate is located on the side opposite the cavities and connect to each flexure member through support posts. The support posts localize three applied to the plate to each flexure member. Force sensing elements attached to each flexure member provide a signal corresponding to the force applied to the flexure member.
273 Citations
9 Claims
-
1. A transducer for measuring forces between two components of a joint prosthesis, the transducer comprising:
-
a central body having a plurality of spaced apart integral flexure members forming an upper surface of the central body wherein each flexure member is formed by a corresponding cavity of a plurality of spaced apart cavities; a plate spaced apart from the upper surface; a plurality of support posts connecting the plate to the central body wherein each support post is located within the perimeter edge of the plate and has a first end attached to only one of the flexure members, and a second end attached to the plate, the support posts localizing forces applied to the plate onto the flexure members; and a force sensing element coupled to each flexure member, each force sensing element providing an output signal representative of the force applied to the corresponding flexure member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
Specification