| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units, generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilised knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee. In accordance with the invention, there is utilized the properties of resilient mechanical members to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled in such a fashion that it only releases logically a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as for example electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means. |
