Biomimetic and variable stiffness ankle system and related methods
US-2018092761-A1 · Apr 5, 2018 · US
Multi path biomimetic and variable stiffness ankle system and related methods
US12004971B2 · US · B2
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Publication number | US-12004971-B2 |
| Application number | US-201917057406-A |
| Country | US |
| Kind code | B2 |
| Filing date | May 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | May 22, 2018 |
| Publication date | Jun 11, 2024 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2024 |
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- Title
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Abstract
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A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a multi (e.g., dual) cam profile and a cam follower.
First claim
Opening claim text (preview).
What is claimed is: 1. A cam system for an assistive device, comprising: a cam comprising at least two distinct cam profiles; and a cam follower, wherein said cam follower is stationary, and wherein said cam and said cam follower are configured to switch between said distinct cam profiles when the assistive device is in use. 2. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said distinct cam profiles are distinct adjacent cam profiles or a cam surface with continuous cam profiles. 3. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said cam comprises a cam profile slider and a stationary component, wherein said cam profile slider is configured to move relative to said stationary component. 4. The cam system of claim 3 , wherein said cam profile slider moves in the medio-lateral direction. 5. The cam system of claim 3 , wherein said cam profile slider comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. 6. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said bottom surface comprises said at least two distinct cam profiles. 7. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said bottom surface contacts said cam follower. 8. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said distinct cam profiles each comprise a transition zone and a distinct zone. 9. The cam system of claim 7 , wherein said cam profile slider switches between said adjacent cam profiles when the transition zones of said distinct cam profiles are aligned. 10. The cam system of claim 9 , wherein said switching is passive or via a transport component configured to move said cam profile slider. 11. The cam system of claim 10 , wherein said transport component is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of magnets, a solenoid, a pneumatic component, and a linkage component. 12. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein said cam follower is a roller. 13. The cam system of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two distinct cam profiles comprises a cam surface comprising a slope. 14. The cam system of claim 13 , wherein the cam follower is positioned to roll along, and is switchable between, the cam surfaces of the at least two distinct cam profiles. 15. The cam system of claim 13 , wherein each of the at least two distinct cam profiles comprise a discrete path. 16. The cam system of claim 15 , wherein the discrete path comprises a groove provided within the cam profile. 17. The cam system of claim 13 , wherein the cam follower is positioned to roll along, and is switchable between, the discrete paths of each of the at least two distinct cam profiles. 18. A cam system for an assistive device, comprising: a cam comprising a cam profile slider component comprise at least two distinct cam paths and a stationary component; and a cam follower, wherein said cam follower is stationary, and wherein said cam profile slider switches between said distinct adjacent cam paths when the assistive device is in use. 19. A cam system for an assistive device, comprising: a cam comprising at least two distinct adjacent cam profiles; and a cam follower configured to switch between said distinct adjacent cam profiles when the assistive device is in use wherein said cam follower is stationary.
Assignees
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Classifications
operated by electrically controlled means, e.g. solenoids or torque motors · CPC title
magnetic · CPC title
having a plate-like or strip-like spring element, e.g. an energy-storing cantilever spring keel · CPC title
Roller bearings · CPC title
electrical · CPC title
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Frequently asked questions
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- What does patent US12004971B2 cover?
- A cam system for an assistive device and related methods are disclosed. The cam system may comprise a multi (e.g., dual) cam profile and a cam follower.
- Who is the assignee on this patent?
- Univ Michigan Regents, Chicago Rehabilitation Inst, Univ Northwestern
- What technology area does this patent fall under?
- Primary CPC classification A61F2/6607. Mapped technology areas include Human Necessities.
- When was this patent published?
- Publication date Tue Jun 11 2024 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) (B2). Legal status and post-grant events are not shown on this page.
- What related patents are in patentsdb?
- We list 6 related publications on this page (citations in our corpus or others sharing the same primary CPC).