US 12,201,539 B2 · Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems

Abstract

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method for determining a change in traction between a foot member of an orthotic, prosthetic or exoskeleton apparatus and an underlying surface, the apparatus comprising a foot member, a lower leg member, an ankle joint for connecting the foot member to the lower leg member and a first actuator for applying torque to the ankle joint to rotate the foot member with respect to the lower leg member, the method comprising:

calculating ground reaction force and the zero moment pivot imparted by an underlying surface onto the foot member based on an inertial pose of the lower leg member, the torque applied to the lower leg member by the actuator, axial force applied to the lower leg member, and an angle between the foot member and lower leg member;
and
calculating velocity of the foot member zero moment pivot based on the inertial pose of the lower leg member, the torque applied to the lower leg member by the actuator, the axial force applied to the lower leg member, and the angle between the foot member and lower leg member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems

Life of this patent

Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14