Powered ankle-foot prothesis
First Claim
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1. A device comprising:
- a) a mechanical ankle joint that is a rotational joint bearing axis which joint defines an angle between two structures that are joined by the joint, which angle can vary over a first range of angles during normal operation of the device;
b) a controllable actuator comprising a motor connected to a series spring for imparting a first torque about the joint; and
c) a parallel spring connected in parallel with the actuator, for imparting a second torque about the joint only when the angle is within a second range of angles, the second range being a subset of, and not identical to, the first range.
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Abstract
A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a) a mechanical ankle joint that is a rotational joint bearing axis which joint defines an angle between two structures that are joined by the joint, which angle can vary over a first range of angles during normal operation of the device; b) a controllable actuator comprising a motor connected to a series spring for imparting a first torque about the joint; and c) a parallel spring connected in parallel with the actuator, for imparting a second torque about the joint only when the angle is within a second range of angles, the second range being a subset of, and not identical to, the first range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A device, comprising:
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a) a mechanical ankle joint, which joint defines an angle between two structures that are joined by the joint, which angle can vary over a first range of angles during normal operation of the device; b) a controllable actuator including a motor connected to a series spring for imparting a first torque about the joint; c) a parallel spring connected in parallel with the actuator, for imparting a second torque about the joint only when the angle is within a second range of angles, the second range being a subset of, and not identical to, the first range; d) an artificial sensory system including at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a position sensor, a velocity sensor, and a force sensor; and e) an operative connection to the motor and the at least one sensor, wherein the motor is adapted to store elastic energy in the series spring during ankle-controlled dorsiflexion, wherein the series and parallel springs release elastic energy during ankle-powered plantar flexion.
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Specification