System for controlling artificial knee joint action in an above knee prosthesis.

摘要

This invention relates to an above knee prothesis which employs a hydraulic damper to passively regulate the angular velocity or rotation of the artificial knee joint. A programmed microprocessor recognizes common gait patterns from information received from strain and knee angle sensors on the prosthesis. The microprocessor reacts at various transition points in the gait by activating a motor which in turn adjusts a valve assembly in the damper. The valve assembly is capable of variably and separately damping the knee joint motion in each of flexion and extension at the same time. Gait is improved because of the improved extent of control of knee action. In addition, distinct routines such as stair descending and sitting down can also be practised. <IMAGE>