Computer controlled prosthetic knee device
First Claim
1. A device, comprising, in combination:
- a prosthetic knee comprising;
a frame;
a computer;
a hydraulic damping cylinder; and
a rotor connected to the frame;
wherein the rotor provides at least one axis of rotation about the prosthetic knee andwherein the hydraulic damping cylinder facilitates resistance to rotation, the hydraulic damping cylinder further comprising;
a low force flexion resistance flow path;
a high force flexion resistance flow path; and
an extension resistance flow path,wherein the high force flexion resistance flow path is the knee'"'"'s default flow path and the computer determines when to use the low force flexion resistance flow path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A prosthetic knee provides a single axis of rotation and includes a hydraulic damping cylinder, a microprocessor, and sensors. Based on input from the sensors, the microprocessor selects a flow path within the hydraulic cylinder in order to provide the proper amount of knee resistance to bending for a given situation. The resistance of each flow path within the hydraulic cylinder is manually preset. Changes in gait speed are accommodated by employing a hydraulic damper with intelligently designed position sensitive damping. Moreover, the knee need not be un-weighted to transition from the stance phase to the swing phase of gait. As a result, the knee safely provides a natural, energy efficient gait over a range of terrains and gait speeds and is simpler, less costly, and lighter weight than the prior art.
73 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A device, comprising, in combination:
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a prosthetic knee comprising; a frame; a computer; a hydraulic damping cylinder; and a rotor connected to the frame; wherein the rotor provides at least one axis of rotation about the prosthetic knee and wherein the hydraulic damping cylinder facilitates resistance to rotation, the hydraulic damping cylinder further comprising; a low force flexion resistance flow path; a high force flexion resistance flow path; and an extension resistance flow path, wherein the high force flexion resistance flow path is the knee'"'"'s default flow path and the computer determines when to use the low force flexion resistance flow path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification