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 method for detecting a user's intent in an adaptive lower limb device includes providing the adaptive lower limb device. The lower limb device includes a device control unit. The device control unit includes activity controllers and at least one accelerometer. The acceleration features are measured via the at least one accelerometer. The measured acceleration features are determined whether they correspond to a tapping movement initiated by a user with an intent to switch from a first one of the plurality of activity controllers to a second one of the plurality of activity controllers. If the measured accelerating features correspond to the tapping movement, the control unit of the adaptive lower limb device is switched from the first one of the activity controllers to the second one of the activity controllers.

A method for detecting a user's intent in an adaptive lower limb device includes providing the adaptive lower limb device. The lower limb device includes a device control unit. The device control unit includes activity controllers and at least one accelerometer. The acceleration features are measured via the at least one accelerometer. The measured acceleration features are determined whether they correspond to a tapping movement initiated by a user with an intent to switch from a first one of the plurality of activity controllers to a second one of the plurality of activity controllers. If the measured accelerating features correspond to the tapping movement, the control unit of the adaptive lower limb device is switched from the first one of the activity controllers to the second one of the activity controllers.

Prosthetic devices and methods of controlling the same are provided. A prosthetic ankle device includes a foot unit and lower limb member moveable relative to one another and defining an ankle angle therebetween. The prosthetic ankle device further includes a controller to operate the device based on detecting a decreased load. Methods of controlling the prosthetic ankle device include operating the device at different ankle angles depending on detecting a decreased load on the prosthetic ankle device while standing or stopped.

Prosthetic devices and methods of controlling the same are provided. A prosthetic ankle device includes a foot unit and lower limb member moveable relative to one another and defining an ankle angle therebetween. The prosthetic ankle device further includes a controller to operate the device based on detecting a decreased load. Methods of controlling the prosthetic ankle device include operating the device at different ankle angles depending on detecting a decreased load on the prosthetic ankle device while standing or stopped.

A prosthetic limb test fixture is configured to mimic a human stride. An electronic management system can control the test fixture to follow the position and pattern of a particular selected gait cycle during testing. A proposed prosthesis can be attached to the test fixture. Sensor data collected during testing can be evaluated to determine whether the proposed prosthesis is likely to appropriately fit an amputee patient. Iterative adjustments may be made to the prosthesis based on test data in order to maximize the likelihood of a good fit.

A prosthetic limb test fixture is configured to mimic a human stride. An electronic management system can control the test fixture to follow the position and pattern of a particular selected gait cycle during testing. A proposed prosthesis can be attached to the test fixture. Sensor data collected during testing can be evaluated to determine whether the proposed prosthesis is likely to appropriately fit an amputee patient. Iterative adjustments may be made to the prosthesis based on test data in order to maximize the likelihood of a good fit.

Routines and methods disclosed herein can increase a power efficiency of a prosthetic hand without drastically reducing the speed at which it operates. A prosthesis can implement an acceleration profile, which can reduce an energy consumption of a motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from an idle state to a non-idle state. A prosthesis can implement a deceleration profile, which can reduce the energy consumption of the motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from a non-idle state to an idle state.

Routines and methods disclosed herein can increase a power efficiency of a prosthetic hand without drastically reducing the speed at which it operates. A prosthesis can implement an acceleration profile, which can reduce an energy consumption of a motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from an idle state to a non-idle state. A prosthesis can implement a deceleration profile, which can reduce the energy consumption of the motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from a non-idle state to an idle state.