ORTHOTIC DEVICE FOR ASSISTING LIMB MOVEMENT

摘要

An orthotic device (10) is disclosed. The orthotic device may be adapted to be attached to a limb to enable the limb to replicate normal motion so that the user regains substantially normal operation of the limb. The orthotic device may have a frame system (12) formed of a lightweight supportive material and configured to receive the user's limb, and an electronically actuated muscle (42) operatively connected to the frame system for expanding and contracting at predetermined levels to mimic movement of the limb, when functioning normally. The orthotic device may also have a controller (48) operatively connected to the muscle for transmitting signals corresponding to the predetermined levels to the muscle, and a sensor (64) controlled by the user for actuating the muscle.