Orthopedic device

摘要

An orthopedic device includes two components that are configured to be movable relative to on another (e.g., longitudinally translatable, pivotable, etc.). The relative movement of the two components is transmitted as unidirectional mechanical energy by means of a transmitting mechanism which includes an energy accumulator connected to a generator. The mechanical energy is thereby converted to electric power.

主权项

1. An orthopedic device comprising:
i) two components that are movable with respect to one another; ii) a transmitting mechanism for transmission of a force in response to a longitudinal displacement of said two components with respect to each other; iii) a mechanical energy accumulator which receives said force from said transmitting mechanism and accumulates a mechanical energy, wherein said transmitting mechanism and said mechanical energy accumulator are configured to allow transmission of said force from said transmitting mechanism to said mechanical energy accumulator only in one direction, wherein the mechanical energy accumulator is a spring; and iv) a generator connected to said mechanical energy accumulator for the generation of electric power from said mechanical energy when said mechanical energy is provided to said generator, wherein the transmitting mechanism has dual gears which produce a transmission of force on a drive shaft only in one direction, wherein the orthopedic device is a prosthesis or orthesis, and wherein said generator generates a sufficient supply of power to a component which consumes energy which is associated with said prosthesis or orthesis.