System and method for an artificial tendon-driven prosthesis
Inventors
Akhtar, Aadeel • Austin, James • Bala, Dhipak • Wilson, Valentino
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12336918-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Expiration Date
2042-02-11
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Abstract
A system and method for an artificial tendon or muscle driven prosthesis that may include an articulating prosthesis with a set of actuation points; an artificial tendon system, the artificial tendon system being integrated with the articulating prosthesis and comprising an external tendon actuation interface coupled relative to at least one actuation point of the set of actuation points, and the artificial tendon system further comprising integration with a musculoskeletal-integrated internal artificial tendon; and an osseointegration abutment through which the artificial tendon system couples the external tendon actuation interface to the musculoskeletal-integrated internal artificial tendon integration and can implement an infection mitigation system.
Core Innovation
The invention is a system and method for an artificial tendon- or muscle-driven prosthesis that integrates an articulating prosthesis with an artificial tendon system. This system includes actuation points on the prosthesis, an artificial tendon system featuring both external and internal tendon segments, and an osseointegration abutment that connects the external tendon interface to the internal musculoskeletal-integrated artificial tendon. The artificial tendon system can be utilized with a variety of prosthetic forms, including fingers, hands, and other limbs, and may incorporate infection mitigation features such as a sealed flexible film pocket.
The problem addressed is that current electric powered prosthetic limbs often lack natural proprioceptive feedback, are dependent on batteries, and can be heavy and uncomfortable, which frequently leads to user frustration and abandonment. Additionally, such devices require users to rely mainly on vision for feedback, as they do not support direct biomechanical or proprioceptive control. The invention seeks to overcome these limitations by providing a mechanical, anatomically integrated system capable of natural, muscle-driven actuation with enhanced proprioception.
The core innovation resides in the system’s ability to directly couple residual muscles, tendons, or bone to the actuation of a prosthesis, allowing for mechanical actuation mapped to the user’s own movement. This is facilitated by routing artificial tendon fibers through designated channels in the prosthesis, passing through an osseointegration abutment that creates a sealed, infection-mitigating interface between internal and external environments. The invention further allows for both customized and scalable design options, including compliant (living hinge) joints and configurable artificial tendon routing, enabling adaptive fit and function based on individual user anatomy and needs.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, each covering a distinct system configuration involving an articulating prosthesis, artificial tendon system, and osseointegration abutment.
Integrated prosthesis system with sealed artificial tendon interface
A system comprising: - An articulating prosthesis with defined actuation points and tendon routing channels through its body structure. - An osseointegration abutment incorporating a sealed flexible film pocket made of impermeable material, through which artificial tendons are routed. - An artificial tendon system integrated with the prosthesis, including: - An external tendon actuation interface connected to at least one actuation point via an external artificial tendon segment routed through tendon channels. - An internal artificial tendon segment, where the external and internal segments are coupled through the sealed flexible film pocket of the osseointegration abutment.
Prosthetic finger system with compliant joint and artificial tendon loop
A system for a prosthetic finger comprising: - A prosthetic finger body with a first actuation point, and routing channels including pairs in both the proximal and distal regions relative to the actuation point. - The first actuation point is a compliant joint formed with flexible material as a living hinge. - An osseointegration abutment with a sealed flexible film pocket made of impermeable material. - An artificial tendon system including: - A first external tendon segment routed through one side of the paired channels, looping back at or after the actuation point, then through the opposing channels. - An internal artificial tendon segment, where the external artificial tendon segment is coupled to the internal segment via the sealed flexible film pocket of the osseointegration abutment.
The independent claims cover systems for artificial tendon-driven prostheses that integrate external mechanical actuation with the user’s anatomy via sealed, infection-mitigating osseointegration abutments and customizable tendon routing structures, with specific attention to compliant joint design and direct internal-external tendon coupling.
Stated Advantages
Enables biomechanically accurate prosthesis actuation that maps closely to natural biological input, providing similar range of motion and strength as the user’s sound limb.
Allows for direct proprioceptive feedback, enabling users to know the position and movement of the prosthesis, supporting dexterous and natural use.
Provides a wide applicability for different amputation types, including users with or without intact proximal joints.
Customizable and scalable design, allowing adaptation to individual anatomical and mechanical requirements, including 3D printing and additive manufacturing approaches.
System may be driven by natural muscle or tendon movement, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries and enabling continuous use.
Enhanced maintainability due to simple, modular construction—potentially without electronic components—which allows user troubleshooting and repair.
Incorporates infection mitigation at the site where artificial tendons interface between internal and external environments, helping prevent infection.
Documented Applications
Use in prosthetic fingers, hands, arms, legs, feet, toes, and other limb amputations to restore articulation driven by biomechanical movement.
Application in animal limb prostheses, such as canine hindlimb prostheses.
Use for partial, single, or multiple finger amputees for anatomically accurate prosthetic replacement.
Use with both anthropometric and non-anthropomorphic prostheses, including devices like electromechanical grippers or mechanical objects actuated biologically.
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