Magnetic locking mechanism for prosthetic or orthotic joints
First Claim
1. An actuator comprising:
- a first component having one or more magnets;
a second component having one or more magnets, the second component sized to extend into an opening in the first component;
wherein when at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the first component having a first polarity is aligned with at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the second component having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a position of the second component is substantially fixed relative to the first component, substantially locking the actuator, andwherein when the one or more magnets in the first component are not aligned with the one or more magnets in the second component, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component to adjust a length of the actuator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetic locking actuator for a prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. The actuator includes a first component including one or more magnets and a second component including one or more magnets. The first and second components are coupled to separate portions of the device. The magnets allow for adjustment of a length of the actuator to adjust an angular orientation of the first and second portions of the device. When magnets in the second component are aligned with magnets in the first component having an opposite polarity, a position of the second component is fixed relative to the first component, locking the actuator. When magnets in the second component are not aligned with magnets in the first component having the opposite polarity, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component, thereby allowing adjustment of the height of the actuator.
229 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An actuator comprising:
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a first component having one or more magnets; a second component having one or more magnets, the second component sized to extend into an opening in the first component; wherein when at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the first component having a first polarity is aligned with at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the second component having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a position of the second component is substantially fixed relative to the first component, substantially locking the actuator, and wherein when the one or more magnets in the first component are not aligned with the one or more magnets in the second component, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component to adjust a length of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A prosthetic foot comprising:
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a first plate extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a second plate disposed below the first plate and extending between a proximal end and a distal end; an adapter pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the first plate at a first joint; and a mechanical actuator assembly coupled to the proximal end of the second plate and pivotally coupled to the adapter at a second joint disposed rearward of the first joint, the actuator adjustable to adjust a heel height of the prosthetic foot, the actuator comprising; a first component having one or more magnets; a second component having one or more magnets, the second component sized to extend into an opening in the first component; a third component comprising a connector configured to couple the actuator to the proximal end of the second plate; wherein when at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the first component having a first polarity is aligned with at least one of the one or more magnets or at least a portion thereof in the second component having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a position of the second component is substantially fixed relative to the first component, substantially locking the actuator, and wherein when the one or more magnets in the first component are not aligned with the one or more magnets in the second component, the position of the second component is adjustable relative to the first component to adjust the heel height of the prosthetic foot. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification