Self-supported device for guiding motions of a passive target system

a technology of passive target and self-supported device, which is applied in the direction of manipulators, chiropractic devices, medical science, etc., can solve the problems of costing an estimated annual equivalent of $375 billion in family caregiver support, shortcoming of current exoskeleton technology, and limited range of motion about the hip and ankle joints

US20210244599A1Active Publication Date: 2021-08-12HUMAN IN MOTION ROBOTICS INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2021-08-12
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Examples of a self-supported device for guiding motions of a target joint of a target body are disclosed. The device comprises a motion generator, a motion transfer system, a target body interfacing system, a load bearing system and a controller. The load bearing system comprises a plate connected to the motion transfer system and a network of joints and links configured to constrain the plate to rotate in three dimensions about a center of rotation of the load bearing system. A position of the center of rotation of the load bearing system being adjustable by adjusting a connection point between the links. The plate of the load bearing system is connected to an adjustable target body interfacing system that is configured to be mounted to the target body. The center of rotation of the load bearing system coincides (or nearly coincides) with a center of rotation of the target joint of the target body.
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Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a self-supported device for guiding motions of a load bearing system and a motion assistance system employing the self-supported motion guiding devices to assist motions of a target body.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] With respect to medical exoskeleton applications, an estimated 20,639,200 (7.1%) of non-institutionalized United States residents suffered from an ambulatory disability in 2013, while an approximated 2,512,800 (7.2%) of Canadians reported mobility disablements in 2012. These disabilities cost an estimated annual equivalent of $375 billion in family caregiver support, in addition to significant economic and social burdens to the patient and the healthcare system.

[0004] One emergent technology that aims to diminish this health pr...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]This invention discloses a self-supported device for guiding motions of a target joint that can provide positioning in regard to the up to three-dimensional orientation of a ball-and-socket joint or quasi ball-and-socket joint without causing undue stresses to a corresponding target body. The device is self-supported even when the target body is not attached to the rest of the system. Examples of a device for guiding motions of a 3-DOF target joint are described in co-pending international patent application with publication number WO17120680, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The prior patent application discloses examples of a motion guiding device with a motion generator and a motion transfer and target interfacing system that transfers the motions generated by the motion generator to a target joint so that the target joint moves with a 3-DOF motion about its own center of rotation. The motion guiding device disclosed in the prior application requir...