The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. One embodiment includes a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A multiple-finger ring configured to receive a user's residual finger and at least one adjacent finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual and/or adjacent finger(s) within the multiple-finger ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

An exoskeleton includes first and second compression members configured to be coupled to a wearer of the exoskeleton. A tensegrity joint connects the first compression member to the second compression member, the joint including a tensile member having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first compression member on a first side of the joint, and the second end is coupled to the first compression member on a second side of the joint opposite the first side.

A prosthetic ankle module allows for translational and/or rotational movement of a prosthetic foot relative to an adapter. The ankle module can include a four-bar linkage assembly. Links of the linkage assembly can be arranged in various configurations, e.g., parallel or non-parallel and having equal or non-equal lengths, to provide different functions and benefits, e.g., dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, vertical shock absorption, inversion, eversion, and/or rotation about the sagittal axis. Other types of linkage assemblies are also possible. A prosthetic foot can further include a support spring to limit the range of motion of the adapter in use.

The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. One embodiment includes a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A multiple-finger ring configured to receive a user's residual finger and at least one adjacent finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual and/or adjacent finger(s) within the multiple-finger ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

An impedance simulating motion controller for orthotic and prosthetic devices includes an equilibrium trajectory generator that receives locomotion data regarding the locomotion of a user, a dynamic trajectory compensator that generates one or more control parameters based on the locomotion data and one or more physiological characteristics of the user, and a dynamic gain tuner that adjusts the one or more control parameters based on a gain scaling factor that is calculated using a measured deflection point and an expected deflection point. The adjusted control parameters are used to control movement of an actuator of an orthotic or prosthetic device.

The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an eccentric metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A ring configured to receive a user's residual finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

A prosthetic knee can include a variable-torque magnetorheological (MR) actuator assembly or braking system, a frame and an electronics assembly or system that also serves as a mount for the knee actuator and facilitates in monitoring and controlling the operation of the knee actuator. The prosthetic knee system advantageously provides resistive forces to substantially simulate the position and motion of a natural knee joint during ambulation and/or other locomotory activities performed by the amputee. The prosthetic knee can have a series of internal blades for providing resistive forces. A locking ratchet can be used to lock knee position. A dynamic seal with a protective shim can be disposed in the knee actuator. A coil with a non-circular cross-section can be used.

A pneumatic soft dexterous hand for a patient with missing finger functions and a soft robot relate to the technical field of soft robots. The pneumatic soft dexterous hand includes a soft finger, the soft finger includes a rubber casing, a silicone tube, an endoskeleton, and a built-in air bag, and the silicone tube is sleeved in the rubber shell. The silicone tube is formed with a chamber, and the endoskeleton and the built-in airbag are arranged in the silicone tube. The endoskeleton includes a plurality of skeleton modules hinged together, the plurality of the skeleton modules are divided into two groups, and the skeleton modules of the two groups are hinged in an alternating manner in sequence from left to right. The built-in airbag is embedded on the endoskeleton to support the endoskeleton.

A bionic digit (1) that comprises an intermediate portion (15), a tip portion (23) and a hinge (27.29) connecting the tip portion (23) to the intermediate portion (15). The bionic digit (1) further comprises a linear actuator assembly (45) located within the intermediate portion (15) that is connected to the intermediate portion (15) and to the tip portion (23). The linear actuator assembly (45) is provided with a force generator (47), to which is connected a rotary drive shaft (49), and a ball screw (51) connected to the rotary drive shaft (49) for rotation therewith, wherein the ball screw (51) has a helical drive ball raceway (65) extending around its external surface, along at least part of its length, a plurality of drive balls (57), each drive ball (57) located within the helical drive ball raceway (65) and within a drive ball aperture (63) of a ball retention element (55) that is located around the ball screw (51), that is shorter than the ball screw (51) and that is moveable relative to the ball screw (51). Each drive ball (57) is also located within an annular groove (77) of a drive collar (53) that is positioned around the ball retention element (55), the drive collar (53) being rotatable relative to the ball retention element (55) and the ball screw (51) around the longitudinal axis L-L of the ball screw (51). The drive collar (53) has multiple annular grooves (77) that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ball screw (51) and is provided with a first engagement element (79). The tip portion (23) is provided with a second engagement element (83) and the first engagement portion (79) and the second engagement portion (83) are engaged with each other.

A prosthetic device includes a phalanges portion, a metatarsals portion that is movably coupled to the phalanges portion, an ankle portion that is movably coupled to the metatarsals portion, and a calcaneus portion that is movably coupled to the ankle portion.