Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-11246729-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-15
Expiration Date
2032-04-19
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Abstract
An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff including a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.
Core Innovation
The invention is a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis designed to provide support and compensate for injuries or weaknesses in the lower limb, specifically at the ankle and foot. The orthosis comprises a proximal cuff featuring a hinge along its upper edge, an ankle section/footplate designed with features such as a lateral wing for stability and a footplate extending to the toes with an arch, and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and footplate. This arrangement allows for varying configurations, including single or dual posterior struts, modular or fixed versions, and different mounting systems such as alignable or non-alignable mechanisms.
The problem being solved arises from limitations in conventional ankle foot orthoses which either immobilize the ankle, restricting normal gait and high-level activities, or only compensate for specific isolated nerve injuries without allowing greater mobility. Individuals with pain, weakness, or decreased ankle range of motion resulting from injuries like ankle fusions, fractures, nerve injuries, or partial foot amputations face limited effective bracing options. The invention addresses this by enabling greater functional walking and running capabilities while accommodating a range of injury severities and rehabilitation stages.
The exoskeletal orthosis enables dynamic movement and energy storage and return through its structural design, such as the use of posterior struts made from carbon or reinforced fiber materials and the footplate’s rollover shape. The hinged proximal cuff accommodates limb volume changes and facilitates orthosis donning. Variants such as knee ankle foot orthoses integrate an upper knee orthosis section with stretchable bands, allowing assistance for knee-related impairments. The invention supports early ambulation, higher intensity physical activities, and tailored alignment adjustments for patient comfort and efficacy.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes independent claims focusing on a knee ankle foot orthosis featuring dual posterior struts and an upper knee orthosis section with stretchable bands, and on an exoskeletal orthosis combining upper knee cuff features with manual connection fasteners to the proximal cuff.
Use of dual posterior struts as straight bars connecting proximal cuff and ankle section/footplate
Each of the dual posterior struts is a straight bar attached at one end to the rear of the proximal cuff and at the opposite end to the rear of the ankle section/footplate, connecting these components such that the struts are parallel and extend straight from cuff to ankle section/footplate.
Integration of upper knee orthosis section with multiple stretchable bands
The upper knee orthosis section is connected to the proximal cuff, positioned above the knee, and includes two stretchable bands affixed on each side of the orthosis section. These bands provide adjustable support and are affixed via pivoting clasps allowing movement.
Manual connection of stretchable bands to proximal cuff via fasteners
The proximal cuff has fasteners to permit manual connection of the stretchable bands from the upper knee orthosis section on each side, enabling adjustable use of the bands depending on user needs.
Permanent bonding of dual posterior struts to proximal cuff and ankle section/footplate
In some claims, the dual posterior struts are permanently bonded to the proximal cuff and the ankle section/footplate, enhancing structural integrity.
Upper knee cuff configured with straps and stretchable bands
The upper knee orthosis includes an upper knee cuff meant to surround the rear of the user's thigh with at least one strap and with the stretchable band arrangement described, affixed proximally near the posterior and distally near the sides on both cuff sides.
The independent claims protect a knee ankle foot orthosis combining structural dual rear posterior struts with an upper knee orthosis component featuring stretchable bands and manual fastening mechanisms, emphasizing orthosis connectivity, adjustability, and support enhancements.
Stated Advantages
Allows greater ability to walk and run despite severe lower extremity physical impairments.
Enables early walking post-injury to high level activities using the same orthosis.
May be lightweight, durable enough to tolerate high-impact activities (e.g., running with a 120 lbs. rucksack), and usable in regular shoes and military boots.
Documented Applications
Treatment of individuals with severe lower limb injury causing reduced ankle range of motion, weakness, or pain, enabling participation in activities from early ambulation to running and deployment with military units.
Use for various diagnoses including ankle fusion, fractures, tibial and peroneal nerve injuries, partial foot amputations, soft tissue loss, and ankle pain during weight bearing.
Application during early post-operative recovery to promote safer, more normalized gait compared to traditional walking boots.
Pediatric device for cerebral palsy patients with ankle plantarflexion weakness and hamstring weakness.
Dynamic support for spinal cord injury patients with ankle weakness and adequate knee strength.
Deployment and participation in activities such as fast rope helicopter jumps, static line parachuting, and standard parachuting maneuvers to prevent knee injuries while wearing the orthosis.
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