Magnetic electrical connector for assistive devices
AssigneeRehabilitation Institute of Chicago
InventorsTodd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.
Claims20
A system for interconnecting a prosthesis with sensors supported on a prosthetic liner, the system comprising:
- a proximal connector configured for attachment to the liner, the proximal connector having a first end face;
- first magnets arranged at the first end face in an alternating polarity;
- first electrical contacts arranged at the first end face and configured for electrical interconnection with the sensors on the liner;
- a distal connector configured for attachment to the prosthesis, the distal connector having a second end face;
- second magnets arranged at the second end face in an alternating polarity for alignment and magnetic attachment with the first magnets at the first end face;
- and
- second electrical contacts arranged at the second end face for alignment and electrically conductive contact with the first electrical contacts at the first end face when the first and second magnets are aligned in magnetic attachment.
A system for attaching a prosthesis to a limb, the system comprising:
- a liner having an opening for insertion of a limb;
- sensors supported on the liner;
- a proximal connector configured for attachment to the liner, the proximal connector having a first end face;
- first magnets arranged at the first end face in an alternating polarity;
- first electrical contacts arranged at the first end face and operatively interconnected with the sensors on the liner;
- a distal connector configured for attachment to the prosthesis, the distal connector having a second end face;
- second magnets arranged at the second end face in an alternating polarity for alignment and magnetic attachment with the first magnets at the first end face;
- and
- second electrical contacts arranged at the second end face for alignment and electrically conductive contact with the first electrical contacts at the first end face when the first and second magnets are aligned in magnetic attachment.
A system for attaching a prosthesis to a limb, the system comprising:
- a liner having an opening for insertion of a limb;
- sensors supported on the liner;
- a proximal connector configured for attachment to the liner, the proximal connector having a planar distal surface;
- first magnets arranged at the planar distal surface in an alternating polarity;
- conductive screws arranged at the planar distal surface and operatively interconnected with the sensors on the liner;
- a distal connector configured for attachment to the prosthesis, the distal connector having a planar proximal surface;
- second magnets arranged at the planar proximal surface in an alternating polarity for alignment and magnetic attachment with the first magnets at the planar distal surface;
- and
- conductive spring pins arranged at the planar proximal surface for alignment and electrically conductive contact with the conductive screws at the planar distal surface when the first and second magnets are aligned in magnetic attachment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.