Motorized tensioning system for medical braces and devices

摘要

A tensioning system for medical braces and devices is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening, and full loosening of the tensioning member.

主权项

1. A medical brace comprising:
a main body configured to be fit about a limb of a user; a tensioning member coupled with the main body; and a motorized tensioning device configured to adjust the tensioning member to tighten and loosen the main body, the motorized tensioning device comprising:
a motor and a gear reduction system, wherein the motor drives the gear reduction system;a spool connected to the gear reduction system and configured to wind the tensioning member, wherein the spool rotates in a first rotational direction to tighten the tensioning member and wherein the spool rotates in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to loosen the tensioning member;a torque transmitting system cooperating with the spool, wherein the torque transmitting system substantially prevents the spool from driving the motor; andwherein the torque transmitting system is configured to transmit torque from a gear of the gear reduction system to the spool;wherein the motorized tension device further comprises a secondary winding assembly configured to apply torque to the spool so as to wind slack in the tensioning member when the motor is deactivated, wherein the spool includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the torque generated by the motor is transmitted to the first end of the spool and wherein the torque generated by the secondary winding assembly is delivered to the second end of the spool.