| 摘要 |
A brace hinge includes an upper and lower intermeshing gear members each having an elliptical gear intermeshed with the other and sandwiched by two very thin profile cover and support plates. The elliptical gears produce an eccentric motion which lends it self to following the natural motion of the human knee or other joints such as the elbow. The elliptical gear of one member has its radius extend toward the pivot axis of the other gear as the radius of the other elliptical gear retreats from the pivot axis of the one member. The magnitude and radial extent over which the ellipse extends can be varied. The combination of advancing and retreating radius gear members, relatively few gear teeth and sandwiched support plates eliminate any interruption to a smooth transition, provide superior load bearing ability and provide for extremely low friction. |
