Magnetic electrical connector for assistive devices
AssigneeRehabilitation Institute of Chicago
InventorsTodd Kuiken, Timothy Reissman, Elizabeth Halsne, Robert Lipschutz
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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.
Claims25
A system for attaching an assistive device to a limb, the system comprising:
- a. a liner having an opening for insertion of a limb;
- b. a proximal connector attached to the liner, the proximal connector having a distal planar surface;
- c. a plurality of proximal magnets arranged on the proximal connector at the distal planar surface of the proximal connector;
- d. a distal connector having a proximal planar surface;
- e. a plurality of distal magnets arranged on the distal connector at the proximal planar surface of the distal connector;
- and
- f. a plurality of compliance components configured for compliance under load;
- wherein each of the compliance components is fitted behind one of the proximal magnets or behind one of the distal magnets such that a proximal or distal magnet is located between each compliance component and a respective planar connector surface;
- and
- wherein at least one signal that is representative of one or more electromyography signals can be transmitted between the proximal connector and the distal connector via at least one of the plurality of the proximal magnets and at least one of the plurality of distal magnets when the proximal connector and the distal connector are magnetically attached.
The system of 1, wherein the plurality of proximal magnets are configured in an alternating polarity on the proximal connector and the plurality of distal magnets are configured in an alternating polarity on the distal connector.
A system for attaching an assistive device to a limb, the system comprising:
- a. a liner, having an opening for the insertion of a limb;
- b. a proximal connector attached to the liner, the proximal connector comprising a proximal housing;
- c. a plurality of proximal magnets arranged on the proximal housing;
- d. a distal connector comprising a distal housing, wherein the distal housing and the proximal housing are each tapered;
- and
- e. a plurality of distal magnets arranged on the distal housing;
- wherein at least one signal that is representative of one or more electromyography signals can be transmitted between the proximal connector and the distal connector via at least one of the plurality of the proximal magnets and at least one of the plurality of distal magnets when the proximal connector and the distal connector are magnetically attached.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.