Methods and devices for reducing stance energy for rehabilitation and to enhance physical performance

Abstract

A method for reducing stance energy is provided. The method including: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of a joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods in which the muscles are performing work; and producing a resisting moment at the joint in addition to a moment necessary for the storing. A method for rehabilitating muscles acting across a joint is also provided in which an amount of the storing is adjusted to provide a desired rehabilitative effect. Also provided is a method for enhancing performance of a physical activity where energy is absorbed by muscles associated with the motion and the stored energy is at least partially returned to the muscles during one or more periods of the motion in which the muscles are performing work.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to earlier filed U.S. provisional application, Ser. No. 60 / 600,456 filed on Aug. 11, 2004, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by its reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to walk-assist and power generation devices and methods, and more particularly, to devices, which generate power and / or assist movement when worn. [0004] 2. Prior Art [0005] During walking on a flat, rigid and horizontal surface, a human subject spends energy and tires. On the other hand, if the human subject were instead riding a bicycle that is in good condition, the subject has to spend a significantly less amount of energy to travel the same amount of distance. And in general, the faster the person walks (or runs), the difference between the amount of energy that has to be spent to travel a certain distance on foot or on bicycle becomes g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] 1. Methods and devices to reduce “locomotion energy”. A number of embodiments are disclosed that provide a wide rage of locomotion energy reduction. Such devices can be simple and totally passive to eliminate smaller portions of the locomotion energy. More complex devices can be used to eliminate larger portions of the locomotion energy. The complexity in the latter devices can be in terms of the mechanisms to be used and the active components and controls that are needed to make them highly effective. By reducing the amount of locomotion energy that the user has to provide during locomotion (walking and running), the user becomes less fatigued. A user may, therefore, use these devices for the purpose of walking while getting less fatigued, or walking or running longer distances or with heavier loads with essentially the same level of induced fatigue. Embodiments with only passive elements and those with active elements and also microprocessor-controlled versions to achieve higher efficiency, adaptability and programmable operation are also disclosed.

[0014] 2. A modified version of the above methods to reduce “locomotion energy” that allows the conversion of at least a portion of the saved energy to electrical energy which can be stored and / or directly used to power a device. A number of related embodiments are also disclosed. By using the disclosed devices, a user reduces locomotion energy, thereby gets less fatigued during walking and / or running, while at the same time can generate electrical energy that can be used directly or stored for later use. Embodiments with active elements (in addition to the electrical power generation elements and related electronics) to achieve higher efficiency and those operated by programmable microprocessors are also disclosed.

[0018] Accordingly, a method for reducing stance energy during standing, walking or running is provided. The method comprising: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of a joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work; and producing a resisting moment at the joint, the resisting moment being in addition to a moment necessary for the storing.

[0021] Also provided is a method for rehabilitating muscles acting across a joint. The method comprising: storing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; at least partially returning the stored energy to the muscles during one or more periods of the periodic motion in which the muscles are performing work, and adjusting an amount of the storing to provide a desired rehabilitative effect.

Problems solved by technology

More complex devices can be used to eliminate larger portions of the locomotion energy.

The complexity in the latter devices can be in terms of the mechanisms to be used and the active components and controls that are needed to make them highly effective.

Images