Electro-rheological fluid brake and actuator devices and orthotic devices using the same

Abstract

Electro-rheological fluid brake or actuator devices provide controllable resistance with or without inclusion of active torque output in either direction of rotation under manual or computer control. The brake and actuator devices are suitable for use in an orthotic device for a joint, such as the knee or elbow.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 626,256, filed November 9, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 626,365, filed November 9, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated by reference method is incorporated into this application. [0003] Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development [0004] none Background technique [0005] Various types of actuators and brakes are known. For example, a DC motor can be used as an actuator to control the output torque. Such motors can be difficult to control for some applications and can be large and heavy. Increasing output torque usually requires increasing the size of the motor. For the above reasons and others, DC motors are not ideal in many applications for providing drag control or braking. As another example, friction brakes can be used for drag control, but not for output torque. On the downsi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These devices are often bulky and inconvenient, which prevents their application and increases overall size, cost and weight due to the inclusion of active components

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