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US 10,898,350 B2Granted
Dynamic linear adjustable prosthetic
AssigneesUniversity of South Carolina, Prisma Health—Upstate
InventorAlan Robert Hippensteal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A prosthesis with controlled linear motion and methods for adapting the device to multiple amputation points are described. The device is designed to shorten during the swing phase to prevent striking the surface of the ground, and extend at the beginning and end of the swing to provide forward propulsion and begin to transfer bodyweight load from the opposing leg. The prosthesis includes an actuator to provide linear motion, a battery, sensors, and a controller.
Claims22
A prosthetic lower limb comprising:
- a distal end comprising a prosthetic foot;
- a proximal end at a distance from the distal end, the prosthetic lower limb defining a length between the distal end and the proximal end;
- at least one actuator comprising a linear extension and retraction mechanism configured to extend and retract a segment of the prosthetic lower limb between the proximal end and the distal end and thereby modify the length of the prosthetic lower limb between the distal end and the proximal end, and;
- a control system in communication with the at least one actuator, the communication being configured to cyclically modify the length of the prosthetic lower limb through a single gait cycle, the single gait cycle comprising a stance phase and a swing phase, wherein the cyclic modification includes extension of the segment to increase the length of the prosthetic lower limb in preparation for heel strike on a surface, retraction of the segment to decrease the length of the prosthetic lower limb during the stance phase during which the prosthetic foot is in contact with the surface, extension of the segment to increase the length of the prosthetic lower limb at an end of the stance phase that includes immediately prior to and during a loss of contact between the prosthetic foot and the surface, and retraction of the segment to decrease the length of the prosthetic lower limb during the swing phase, wherein all extension and retraction of the segment is under the control of the actuator and the control system.
1 more element
A method for forming a prosthesis, the method comprising:
- placing at least one actuator in communication with a control system;
- placing the at least one actuator in communication with a segment of a prosthetic lower limb, the prosthetic lower limb defining a length between a distal end and a proximal end of the prosthetic lower limb, the at least one actuator comprising a linear extension and retraction mechanism;
- by use of the control system, configuring the linear extension and retraction mechanism to cyclically and dynamically extend and retract the segment and thereby modify the length of the prosthetic lower limb between the distal end and the proximal end through a single gait cycle, the single gait cycle comprising a stance phase and a swing phase, wherein the cyclic and dynamic modification includes extension of the segment to increase the length of the prosthetic lower limb in preparation for heel strike on a surface, retraction of the segment to decrease the length of the prosthetic lower limb during the stance phase during which a prosthetic foot at the distal end of the prosthetic lower limb is in contact with the surface, extension of the segment to increase the length of the prosthetic lower limb at an end of the stance phase that includes immediately prior to and during a loss of contact between the prosthetic foot and the surface, and retraction of the segment to decrease the length of the prosthetic lower limb during the swing phase;
- wherein
- all extension and retraction of the segment is under the control of the actuator and the control system.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.