Provided are a connecting module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same, the connecting module including a case provided to incline downward from a space recessed between a waist and a hip of a user to a hip joint of the user, a power transmitting assembly disposed in an internal portion of the case, and a supporting module connecting portion disposed at an output terminal of the power transmitting assembly and to be fastened with a supporting module that supports a leg of the user.

A passive artificial knee includes a knee hinge assembly defining a knee axis, a locking hinge assembly defining a locking axis, and a post linking the knee hinge assembly and the locking hinge assembly. A ground reaction force applied to the artificial knee posterior to the locking axis causes an interfering relation by compression of the locking hinge assembly and the knee hinge assembly during heel strike at early-stance gait phase of an individual wearing the artificial knee, thereby locking rotation of the post about the knee axis. Shifting of ground reaction force anterior to the locking axis during a mid-stance to late-stance gait phase of the individual causes rotation of the post about the locking axis, thereby unlocking rotation of the post about the knee axis and enabling flexion and subsequent swing phase extension of the passive artificial knee joint. The artificial knee is a passive joint that can be fabricated and maintained at low expense.

Some embodiments are directed to a lower limb articulation for bipedal locomotion, which includes a first element a second element and articulation devices for articulating the first and second elements relative to one another, the articulation devices including an articulation mechanism including first and second linking devices mounted in series, as well as devices for guiding and locking in position one of the first and second elements relative to the other one of the first and second elements when the lower limb comes to rest on a surface, the devices for locking in position including a potential trough.

Wearable devices protect against musculoskeletal injuries and enhance performance. Systems and methods provide wearable devices to assist with human motion during physical activities, such as performing movements (e.g., lifting) and holding static poses (e.g., crouching, or holding a tool while working overhead). Materials, constructions, and system architectures allow the wearable devices to be worn over, under, or integrated into clothing for extended periods of time to improve performance or reduce risk of injury. Sensors may be included in the wearable devices to detect various activities, motions, and postures of the wearer, and various active and semi-active controls approaches may leverage sensor information to provide tailored assistance to individual users. Various controls optimization techniques ensure the wearable devices operate at peak efficiency.

Wearable devices protect against musculoskeletal injuries and enhance performance. Systems and methods provide wearable devices to assist with human motion during physical activities, such as performing movements (e.g., lifting) and holding static poses (e.g., crouching, or holding a tool while working overhead). Materials, constructions, and system architectures allow the wearable devices to be worn over, under, or integrated into clothing for extended periods of time to improve performance or reduce risk of injury. Sensors may be included in the wearable devices to detect various activities, motions, and postures of the wearer, and various active and semi-active controls approaches may leverage sensor information to provide tailored assistance to individual users. Various controls optimization techniques ensure the wearable devices operate at peak efficiency.

A knee brace spring lock and release hinge including a first section and second section. The first section has an arched support housing with a J-curved recess. The second section includes a base with base platform, an arched support surrounding a rotational wheel, a wheel pad abutting a portion of the wheel, and at least one spring extending from the base platform to the wheel pad. The second section is structured to rotate within the J-curved recess when the at least one spring is extended. The second section is structured to be locked into place when the at least one spring is compressed.