Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems
First Claim
1. A lower-extremity prosthesis, comprising:
- a foot member;
a lower leg member;
an ankle joint for connecting the foot member to the lower leg member;
an actuator for applying a positive torque feedback response to at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint to rotate the foot member with respect to the lower leg member;
a structural element coupled to the lower leg member and at least one of a strain gauge and displacement sensing apparatus for measuring the torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint; and
a controller configured to modulate the positive torque feedback response of the actuator during gait based on the measured torque, wherein the positive torque feedback response involves amplification of the torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint, wherein only the measured torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint is required for the amplification.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A lower-extremity prosthesis, comprising:
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a foot member; a lower leg member; an ankle joint for connecting the foot member to the lower leg member; an actuator for applying a positive torque feedback response to at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint to rotate the foot member with respect to the lower leg member; a structural element coupled to the lower leg member and at least one of a strain gauge and displacement sensing apparatus for measuring the torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint; and a controller configured to modulate the positive torque feedback response of the actuator during gait based on the measured torque, wherein the positive torque feedback response involves amplification of the torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint, wherein only the measured torque applied to the at least one of the lower leg member and the ankle joint is required for the amplification. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification