PROSTHETIC ANKLE AND FOOT COMBINATION

摘要

A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantar-flexion and dorsi-flexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.

主权项

1. A prosthetic ankle and foot combination comprising a foot component and a hydraulic ankle joint mechanism, the ankle joint mechanism including a proximal shin component and being constructed to allow damped rotational movement of the foot component relative to the shin component about a medial-lateral joint flexion axis, wherein the ankle joint mechanism is arranged to provide (a) continuous hydraulically damped ankle flexion during walking relative to a preset reference angular position of the foot component with respect to the shin component and (b) adjustment of the reference angular position.