Abstract:
A joint actuation device for adding torque to a joint of a user includes an actuation system having an actuator and a spring. A lever is configured to couple to the user's leg and to the actuation system. The lever configured to rotate at a device joint with respect to the actuation system. A first sensor measures a position of the device joint. A second sensor measures deflection in a spring. The actuator is positioned based on the position of the device joint and deflection in the spring. The actuator is configured to deflect the spring to apply a torque the device joint. The device joint aligns with the user's joint to add a torque to the user's joint during a gait activity. The actuator disengages the spring during a non-gait activity. The lever is configured to disengage from the actuator when the device joint exceeds a predetermined angle.
Abstract:
A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity.The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.
Abstract:
A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.
Abstract:
A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.
Abstract:
A joint torque augmentation system includes linkage assembly configured to couple to a user. Linkage assembly includes a unidirectional link and a device joint. The linkage assembly is worn by a user or is configured to couple to footwear. An actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly to provide a torque at a joint of the user. A sensor is coupled to the user to measure a position of the user. A control system is coupled to the sensor and actuator. A phase of gait for the user is determined by the control system based on the position measured by the sensor. The actuator produces a tension force on the linkage assembly during a first phase of gait. A compliant element is coupled between the actuator and linkage assembly. The compliant element is tuned based on a load carried by the user.
Abstract:
A joint torque augmentation system includes linkage assembly configured to couple to a user. Linkage assembly includes a unidirectional link and a device joint. The linkage assembly is worn by a user or is configured to couple to footwear. An actuator is coupled to the linkage assembly to provide a torque at a joint of the user. A sensor is coupled to the user to measure a position of the user. A control system is coupled to the sensor and actuator. A phase of gait for the user is determined by the control system based on the position measured by the sensor. The actuator produces a tension force on the linkage assembly during a first phase of gait. A compliant element is coupled between the actuator and linkage assembly. The compliant element is tuned based on a load carried by the user.
Abstract:
A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity.The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.
Abstract:
A load support device includes a first link coupled to a load. A second link is configured to couple to footwear. The second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. The first and second link comprise a link assembly. A first compliant member is disposed between the load and the second link. The first compliant member includes a tension spring or a compression spring. The link assembly further includes a tension cable coupled to the first compliant member. A first actuator is coupled to the first compliant member to control a stiffness of the first compliant member. A sensor is configured to couple to a user to measure a physical state of the user. A control system controls the first actuator based on a gait activity. The first actuator is actuated based on the physical state of the user. The load support device is tuned based on the load.
Abstract:
A joint actuation device for adding torque to a joint of a user includes an actuation system having an actuator and a spring. A lever is configured to couple to the user's leg and to the actuation system. The lever configured to rotate at a device joint with respect to the actuation system. A first sensor measures a position of the device joint. A second sensor measures deflection in a spring. The actuator is positioned based on the position of the device joint and deflection in the spring. The actuator is configured to deflect the spring to apply a torque the device joint. The device joint aligns with the user's joint to add a torque to the user's joint during a gait activity. The actuator disengages the spring during a non-gait activity. The lever is configured to disengage from the actuator when the device joint exceeds a predetermined angle.
Abstract:
A load support device has a first link assembly coupled to a load and a first foot of a user. A first damping element is coupled to the first link assembly. The first damping element includes a double acting piston configured to provide uni-directional damping. A first sensor is disposed on a first limb of the user. A physical characteristic of the first limb is measured with the first sensor. A damping constant of the first damping element is selected based on the physical characteristic of the first limb. A second link assembly is coupled to the load and to a second foot of the user. A second damping element is coupled to the second link assembly between the load and the second foot. The load is alternately supported by the first link assembly and damping element and the second link assembly and damping element throughout a gait cycle.