Actuator system and method for extending a joint
First Claim
1. An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint, comprising:
- a motor assembly that provides a rotational output;
a rotary-to-linear mechanism including a screw that accepts the rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut; and
an extension stop which is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint, wherein the motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint, wherein the system is configured without a flexion stop, and wherein the system is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint is provided with a motor assembly, a rotary-to-linear mechanism, and an extension stop. The rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut. The extension stop is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint. The motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint. The system is configured without a flexion stop, and is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. Methods of use are also disclosed.
233 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An actuator system for assisting extension of a biological joint, comprising:
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a motor assembly that provides a rotational output; a rotary-to-linear mechanism including a screw that accepts the rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut; and an extension stop which is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the biological joint, wherein the motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint, wherein the system is configured without a flexion stop, and wherein the system is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An actuator system for assisting extension of a joint, comprising:
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a motor assembly that provides a rotational output; a rotary-to-linear mechanism including a screw that accepts the rotational output of the motor assembly, and a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut; and an extension stop which is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction to cause extension of the joint, wherein the motor assembly, the rotary-to-linear mechanism and the extension stop cooperate to allow unpowered flexion of the joint, wherein the extension stop is movable between a force position that allows the nut to apply force against the extension stop, and a pass position that prevents the nut from applying force against the extension stop.
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11. A method of assisting extension of a biological joint of a user, the method comprising:
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receiving rotational output from a motor assembly; translating the rotational output to linear output using a rotary-to-linear mechanism; assisting extension of the biological joint using the linear output from the mechanism; and allowing for unpowered extension of the joint, wherein an actuator system which comprises the motor assembly and the rotary-to-linear mechanism includes a screw that accepts the rotational output of the motor assembly, a nut that cooperates with the screw to convert rotational movement of the screw to linear movement of the nut, and an extension stop which is driven by linear movement of the nut in an extension direction, wherein the actuation system is configured without a flexion stop, and wherein the system is configured such that the nut cannot drive the joint in a flexion direction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification