Introduction

In wearable robotics and in human-machine interfaces it is important to design joints with a certain mechanical compliance, this allows to reduce the severity of the stresses on the transmission and gives greater security to the interface. The invention makes it possible to vary the transmission mode by adapting to loads that are very different from each other, by realistically simulating the compliance of the anatomical joint.

Technical features

In prosthetics the joints must adapt to very different loads, the invention allows this to be done by varying the mode of transmission of motion, realistically simulating the compliance of the anatomical joint. The proposed joint can operate according to two alternative modes of transmission of the rotational motion, the free and elastic modes, determined by the structure of the joint and by the articulation of the parts inside it. In particular, some fundamental components are distinguished which guarantee this shift: a guide plate that receives the kinetic energy, an output element that effects the rotation, a ring for the transmission of the rotational motion (3) and the selector elements of such shift ( 1) and which slide radially between a free position, in which they counteract the elastic force and can rotate freely, or are located in specific slots, in a constrained position, allowing transmission through elastic elements (2) (Fig above).

Possible Applications

• Wearable Robotics;
• Prosthesis;
• Orthosis;
• Human-machine interfaces;
• Industrial automation.

Advantages

• Possibility of a further rigid configuration when the selector 1 ‘is rigidly fixed to the ring 3 ’in an inelastic manner;
• Very low power required for the transition from one mode to another;
• Shape, size and functionality compatible and can be integrated with the biological analogue.