Abstract:
The invention is directed to controlling a hydraulic actuation system (50) having at least one degree of freedom, a prime mover (101), at least one actuation module (110, 120, 130) and a controller (103), with each actuation module (110, 120, 130) including: an over-center variable displacement pump (112 and 113; 601; 801) having a power input connection configured to power the pump from the prime mover (101) and a displacement varying input for varying the displacement of the pump; a displacement varying actuator (111, 121, 131) configured to modulate the displacement varying input of the pump; an output actuator (115) in direct communication with the pump, the output actuator (115) configured to drive a corresponding degree of freedom; and at least one sensor (116, 126) establishing a feedback measurement that represents a force or motion of the output actuator (115).
Abstract:
A powered orthotic system, such as an exoskeleton (100), is employed for overground rehabilitation purposes by adapting and adjusting to real-time needs in a rehabilitation situation whereby the system can be initially controlled to perform gait functions for a wearer (109) based on a predetermined level of assistance but the predetermined level of assistance can be varied, based on one or more rehabilitation parameters or specific needs of the wearer (109) undergoing therapy, through the application and adjustment of appropriate variables associated with operation of the system.
Abstract:
An exoskeleton device (103; 113; 302; 402) provides for selectively adjusting an exoskeleton hip pivot/pivot position (109; 119; 306; 407; 408; 410) in the sagittal plane relative to the position of the hip pivot (133) of a wearer (101; 111; 301; 401) of the exoskeleton (103; 113; 302; 402). The exoskeleton hip pivots/pivot positions (109; 119; 306; 407; 408; 410) can be shifted forward or rearward relative to the hip pivots (133) of the wearer (101; 111; 301; 401) and can either be automatically actuated by an exoskeleton control system or manually adjusted by the exoskeleton wearer (101; 111; 301; 401). The invention particularly allows for differential hip placement in order to compensate for changing load or actuation conditions.
Abstract:
A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid (120) and a gait orthotic device (100). The gait orthotic device (120) has a rigid attachment mechanism (125, 130) configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid (120) to the gait orthotic device (100). When the balance aid (120) is coupled to the gait orthotic device (100), the gait orthotic device (100) is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device (100) is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid (120) is not coupled to the gait orthotic device (100), the user is able to use the balance aid (120) for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid (120) is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism (125, 130) is a clamp with an over-center latch (510).
Abstract:
An exoskeleton (100; 204; 304; 404; 504; 602; 702; 802; 902; 1002) includes a control system (120; 205; 305; 405; 505; 603; 703; 803; 903; 1003; 1010) which incorporates a feedback system used to establish and communicate orthosis operational information to a physical therapist (202, 302, 402) and/or to an exoskeleton user (109; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801; 901; 1001). The feedback system can take various forms, including employing sensors (704; 804; 1004; 1010) to establish a feedback ready value and communicating the value through one or more light sources (206; 306; 503; 608) which can be in close proximity to joints of the exoskeleton joints.
Abstract:
A powered lower extremity orthotic (100; 310), including a shank link (105; 305) coupled to an artificial foot (108; 301), a knee mechanism (107; 306) connected to the shank link (105; 305) and a thigh link (103; 307), is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors (122, 124, 126, 127) such that the artificial foot (108; 301) follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.
Abstract:
A gait orthotic system includes a balance aid (120) and a gait orthotic device (100). The gait orthotic device (120) has a rigid attachment mechanism (125, 130) configured to securely and releasably couple the balance aid (120) to the gait orthotic device (100). When the balance aid (120) is coupled to the gait orthotic device (100), the gait orthotic device (100) is supported in a standing position so that a user of the gait orthotic device (100) is able to use his/her hands freely. When the balance aid (120) is not coupled to the gait orthotic device (100), the user is able to use the balance aid (120) for locomotion. In certain embodiments, the balance aid (120) is a forearm crutch, a walker or a cane, while the rigid attachment mechanism (125, 130) is a clamp with an over-center latch (510).
Abstract:
The invention is directed to controlling a hydraulic actuation system having at least one degree of freedom, a prime mover, at least one actuation module and a controller, with each actuation module including: an over-center variable displacement pump having a power input connection configured to power the pump from the prime mover and a displacement varying input for varying the displacement of the pump; a displacement varying actuator configured to modulate the displacement varying input of the pump; an output actuator in direct communication with the pump, the output actuator configured to drive a corresponding degree of freedom; and at least one sensor establishing a feedback measurement that represents a force or motion of the output actuator. Based on a value of each feedback measurement, the force or motion of the output actuator is regulated by controlling the prime mover and the displacement actuator for the output actuator.
Abstract:
A powered lower extremity orthotic (100; 310), including a shank link (105; 305) coupled to an artificial foot (108; 301), a knee mechanism (107; 306) connected to the shank link (105; 305) and a thigh link (103; 307), is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors (122, 124, 126, 127) such that the artificial foot (108; 301) follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.