Actuated glove orthosis and related methods
AssigneeRehabilitation Institute of Chicago
InventorsDerek Kamper, Kristen Triandafilou, Jose Ochoa
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Abstract
An actuated glove orthosis comprises a plurality of digits, each digit configured to be coupled to a finger, each digit defining at least one mechanical stop for preventing hyperextension. The orthosis may further comprise at least one actuator, and a plurality of cables, each cable coupled between a digit and the actuator. Activation of the actuator may increase tension on the plurality of cables to extend the plurality of digits. The device is entirely portable and leaves the hand free to grasp real objects, including as part of a standard therapy session.
Claims17
An orthosis, comprising:
- a. a finger actuation system for a finger of a person's hand, comprising:
- i. a digit having an opening to receive the finger;
- ii. a cable guide connected to the digit and comprising at least one joint hyperextension mechanical stop;
- iii. an actuator for applying tension on a plurality of cables;
- iv. the plurality of cables inserted through the cable guide and coupled to the actuator;
- v. a control system for controlling the operation of the actuator and measuring the amount of tension needed to fully extend the digit when the user is in a relaxed state;
- vi. wherein the control system actuates the actuator to create a tension on the plurality of cables, which causes the cable guide to extend, in order to extend the finger;
- vii. wherein in one mode of the control system, the actuator is actuated to apply a constant extension force on the plurality of cables as the finger extends from a fully flexed position to a fully extended position, the constant extension force determined by the measured tension when the user is in the relaxed state;
- and
- vii. wherein the control system further allows voluntary finger flexion when the user exerts a voluntary flexion force that exceeds the applied extension force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.