Introduction

Device configured to control the rotation of a robotic limb (particularly a portion of a limb like a leg) versus a second element like a torso or a different portion of a limb like a thigh. Specifically, it’s a prosthetic knee. Currently in the field of robotic prosthetics, one of the biggest problems is balancing product design between performance (in terms of usable force, maximum actuator speed and power consumption), overall size and product weight. The proposed invention aims to overcome these limits by creating an active prosthetic joint, light and space-saving, characterized by ease of use, relatively simple mechanics and low production and maintenance costs.

Technical features

Prosthetic joint configured to actively rotate the knee joint via two different actuators, one designed for fast and low-torque swing movements and one inserted to perform slow and high-torque stance movements; in addition, it includes a movement organ defining the rotation between the couplings and a kinematic defining a low torque configuration in which only the first actuator is kinematically connected to the coupling, and a high torque configuration in which both actuators are kinematically connected to the clutch defining a greater torque than the low torque configuration. TRL 4.

Possible Applications

• Device configured to control the rotation of a robotic limb with respect to a second element

Advantages

• Simple and practical configuration and movement, ensuring optimal power according to the demand for the specific activity
• Reduced weight and smaller size and in detail almost comparable to a normal joint
• Mechanical simplicity, with low production and maintenance costs.