Orthosis or exoskeleton system with modular elements
Inventors
MCDAID, Andrew John • Grant, William Edwin John
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12708544-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
There is provided an orthosis or exoskeleton system (200) comprising: one or more body mounting modules (102), the or each body mounting module being structured and arranged to, in use, be mounted to one or more parts of a body of a patient, the body mounting modules having different sizes or configurations with respect to each other; and one or more function modules (104), the or each function module being structured and arranged to provide a different sensing, charging or control function; the body mounting modules and the function modules each having an interfacing structure such that any said body mounting module is interchangeably couplable to any said function module.
Core Innovation
The invention is an orthosis or exoskeleton system comprising interchangeable body mounting modules and sensing function modules. The body mounting modules mount to respective body parts on either side of a joint and couple interchangeably to the function modules through interfacing structures. A transfer interface employs a magnet rotating with a brace assembly and a Hall Effect sensor on a function module to detect rotation, providing sensing dependent on the angle between the body parts.
The system addresses adaptation to patient size and changing rehabilitation needs without replacing the entire system. Information transfers between coupled body mounting and function modules via the transfer interfaces. Additional module configurations provide adjustable motion limits or resistance, actuation, physiological and movement sensing, and remote data transfer.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage identifies one independent claim with four inventive features.
Interchangeable body mounting and function modules
The orthosis or exoskeleton includes body mounting modules arranged to be mounted to body parts on either side of a joint and sensing function modules, with interfacing structures allowing interchangeable coupling.
Transfer of information between coupled modules
The body mounting modules and function modules each have a transfer interface through which information transfers between coupled modules.
Hinged brace assemblies
The body mounting module comprises first and second brace assemblies that are pivotably coupled using a hinge.
Magnet and Hall Effect angle sensing
The transfer interface includes a magnet arranged to rotate with the first brace assembly and a Hall Effect sensor on the function module to detect rotation, providing sensing dependent on the angle between the body parts.
All elements of the claim cover an orthosis or exoskeleton comprising interchangeable body mounting and sensing function modules, pivotably coupled brace assemblies, and a magnet-and-Hall-Effect transfer interface for sensing dependent on the angle between body parts.
Stated Advantages
The modular design supports adaptation to patient size and changing rehabilitation needs without replacing the entire system.
Documented Applications
Use as an orthosis or exoskeleton mounted to respective body parts on either side of a patient's joint for rehabilitation and monitoring.
Interested in licensing this patent?