Method and apparatus for augmented locomotion
AssigneeVanderbilt University
InventorsDavid Braun, Amanda Sutrisno, Tiange Zhang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are apparatuses for augmenting human speed, human-driven compliant mechanisms, artificial limbs to augment human movement, and the like. The apparatuses can include variable stiffness mechanisms including springs that can be configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by human movement. The apparatuses can selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power output beyond the physical capability of the human.
Claims19
An augmented locomotion device to increase a legged locomotion speed of a user, comprising:
- a spring configured to be removably coupled to the user;
- a variable stiffness mechanism that selectively modifies the stiffness of the spring, wherein the variable stiffness mechanism comprises an adjustable lever or cam;
- and
- a clutch for intermittently coupling and decoupling the spring from the user;
- wherein the spring is compressed by the user during a first phase of a locomotion cycle and is released to propel the user when the user impacts a locomotion surface in a second phase of the locomotion cycle.
A human-driven compliant mechanism, comprising:
- an elastic energy storage element configured to capture energy supplied by a human;
- an adjustable-length lever for varying stiffness of the elastic energy storage element, the adjustable-length lever having a length that is adjustable along a slider-crank mechanism;
- a clutch for intermittently coupling and decoupling the elastic energy storage element from the human;
- and
- wherein the human-driven compliant mechanism is operable to selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power beyond a physical capability of the human.
An artificial limb operable to augment human movement, comprising:
- a pedal configured to be removably coupled to a limb of a user;
- a cam;
- a crank coupled to the pedal and operable to rotate the cam;
- a variable stiffness spring in mechanical communication with the cam and configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by the human movement;
- and
- a clutch for intermittently coupling and decoupling the variable stiffness spring from the user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.