An assistive device is disclosed that includes a plurality of control systems for controlling active and passive tasks. The assistive device accommodates active power generation when needed, but is otherwise configured to switch to passive control for other tasks. The assistive device further includes a continuously variable transmission to optimize movement of the assistive device for a variety of tasks. The assistive device includes a lower limb embodiment defining an artificial knee joint controlled by the plurality of control systems.

An assistive device is disclosed that includes a plurality of control systems for controlling active and passive tasks. The assistive device accommodates active power generation when needed, but is otherwise configured to switch to passive control for other tasks. The assistive device further includes a continuously variable transmission to optimize movement of the assistive device for a variety of tasks. The assistive device includes a lower limb embodiment defining an artificial knee joint controlled by the plurality of control systems.

A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic knee having a controller and a hydraulic unit pivotally connected to the controller. The hydraulic includes a reserve hydraulic cylinder, a brake hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic cylinder having a lower hydraulic compartment. A flow system fluidly connects the hydraulic cylinder, the reserve hydraulic cylinder, and the brake cylinder. The flow system has first and second flow paths in communication with the lower hydraulic compartment and the reserve hydraulic cylinder. The first flow path is in communication with lower hydraulic compartment and the reserve hydraulic cylinder via the brake cylinder. The second flow path bypasses the brake hydraulic cylinder.

A time-dependent decay behavior is incorporated into one or more joint actuator control parameters during operation of a lower-extremity, prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeleton device. These parameters may include joint equilibrium, joint impedance (e.g., stiffness, damping) and/or joint torque components (e.g., gain, exponent). The decay behavior may be exponential, linear, piecewise, or may conform to any other suitable function. Embodiments presented herein are used in a control system that emulates biological muscle-tendon reflex response providing for Reflex Parameter Modulation a natural walking experience. Further, joint impedance may depend on an angular rate of the joint. Such a relationship between angular rate and joint impedance may assist a wearer in carrying out certain activities, such as standing up and ascending a ladder.

A power transmission apparatus includes a driving joint unit having a first driving gear fixed to a first driving shaft and a second driving gear fixed to a second driving shaft, an operating joint unit fixed on an operating shaft and having an operating gear rotating together with the operating shaft, a first operating belt connected to the first driving gear and the operating gear, a second operating belt connected to the second driving gear and the operating gear to apply a torque in opposite directions, a driving link having one end connected to the first driving shaft or the second driving shaft and the other end connected to the operating shaft, and an operating link fixed to the operating shaft.

A motorized leg (1) is provided with a lower knee member (110), an upper knee member (120), a knee joint mechanism (130) coupling the lower knee member (110) and the upper knee member (120) such that the angle therebetween can be changed, and an extendable device (140) capable of changing the angle between the lower knee member (110) and the upper knee member (120) by extending and contracting. The extendable device (140) comprises a motor (M) and a transmission (T) that transmits power from the motor (M). The transmission (T) comprises a first transmission mechanism (T1) that transmits power from the motor (M) at a first gear ratio, and a second transmission mechanism (T2) that transmits power from the motor (M) at a second gear ratio different from the first gear ratio.

A motorized leg (1) is provided with a lower knee member (110), an upper knee member (120), a knee joint mechanism (130) coupling the lower knee member (110) and the upper knee member (120) such that the angle therebetween can be changed, and an extendable device (140) capable of changing the angle between the lower knee member (110) and the upper knee member (120) by extending and contracting. The extendable device (140) comprises a motor (M) and a transmission (T) that transmits power from the motor (M). The transmission (T) comprises a first transmission mechanism (T1) that transmits power from the motor (M) at a first gear ratio, and a second transmission mechanism (T2) that transmits power from the motor (M) at a second gear ratio different from the first gear ratio.

A sleeve generally shaped as a limb and an overlapping area of curvature formed in the sleeve extending a length of the sleeve. A clasp is formed from slicing the overlapping area of curvature the length of the sleeve along a line substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane to create a first end and a second end. The sleeve is openable to separate the first end and the second end of the clasp for fitting the sleeve around the prosthesis and latchable by fitting the first end of the clasp over the second end of the clasp.

A sleeve generally shaped as a limb and an overlapping area of curvature formed in the sleeve extending a length of the sleeve. A clasp is formed from slicing the overlapping area of curvature the length of the sleeve along a line substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane to create a first end and a second end. The sleeve is openable to separate the first end and the second end of the clasp for fitting the sleeve around the prosthesis and latchable by fitting the first end of the clasp over the second end of the clasp.

The present application relates to a smart knee joint for a human lower limb exoskeleton, a prosthesis, and an orthosis. The smart knee joint reproduces part or all of the biomechanics of the knee joint of the human body by using a motor driving unit and a controllable elastic energy storage unit based on a magnetorheological damper. The motor driving unit here can be replaced with a controllable damping unit. The smart knee joint is developed for helping amputees or patients with impaired mobility regain/repair natural gaits and also reduce their burden of walking. The motor drive unit operates in a generator mode and an actuator mode. Energy harvesting technologies are exploited to reduce the power consumption of the smart knee joint then to prolong the working time. In addition, the controllable elastic energy storage unit based on the magnetorheological damper can further reduce the energy consumption of the smart knee joint, and also simplify the control of the knee joint.