Electromechanical joint control device with wrap spring clutch
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A clutch comprisingan output hub on an output frame;
- an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub;
an input hub on an end of the input shaft;
a spring engaging the input hub and the output hub; and
a circumferential spring clamp securing the spring to the input hub;
wherein the input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub.
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Abstract
A clutch including an output hub on an output frame, an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub. An input hub is attached on an end of the input shaft, and a spring engages the input hub and the output hub. A locking spring clamp attaches the spring to the input hub. The input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. An electronic control system for the clutch is also described that makes possible the use of the apparatus for electromechanical joint control in an orthotic or prosthetic device.
55 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A clutch comprising
an output hub on an output frame; -
an input shaft on an input frame, wherein the input shaft rotates within a bore in the output hub;
an input hub on an end of the input shaft;
a spring engaging the input hub and the output hub; and
a circumferential spring clamp securing the spring to the input hub;
wherein the input frame and the output frame are adjacent to one another on a side of the clutch opposite the input hub. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A clutch comprising:
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an output frame, and a cylindrical output hub on the output frame, wherein the output hub comprises a bore and an outer surface;
an input frame, and an input arbor on the input frame, wherein the input arbor and the output hub are concentric, and the input arbor is received in the bore in the output hub and free to rotate therein such that the output frame is adjacent the input frame;
an input hub on the input arbor at an end distal the input frame, wherein the input hub is adjacent the output hub and comprises an outer surface;
a cylindrical spring engaging the outer surface of the input hub and the outer surface of the output hub, wherein the spring further comprises a control tang;
a cylindrical control collar engaging the control tang; and
a circumferential spring clamp securing the spring to the input hub.
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16. A clutch comprising:
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a substantially planar output frame, and a cylindrical output hub attached to the output frame, wherein a longitudinal axis of the output hub is substantially normal to the plane of the output frame, and wherein the output hub comprises an interior aperture and an outer surface;
a substantially planar input frame, and a cylindrical input arbor attached to the input frame, wherein a longitudinal axis of the input arbor is substantially normal to the plane of the input frame, wherein the input arbor is received in the aperture in the output hub and is free to rotate therein, and the input frame is adjacent the output frame;
an input hub attached to an end of the input arbor, wherein the input hub is on a side of the output hub opposite the input frame and the output frame;
a cylindrical spring engaging the outer surfaces of the input hub and the output hub, wherein when input frame rotates in a first direction so as to wrap down the spring, a torque is transmitted from the input hub to the output hub, and when the input frame rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction so as to unwrap the spring, the input hub moves freely with respect to the output hub; and
a circumferential locking spring clamp, wherein an interior surface of the clamp engages the spring and locks the spring to the input hub. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification