University of California

Mark Plecnik

David J Reinkensmeyer

J Michael McCarthy

Derek Bissell

Ronald S Fearing

Justin Yim

Duncan Haldane

A series elastic robotic limb may include an energy generator, an energy storage element, and a link assembly. The link assembly may include a plurality of links coupled, via one or more joints, at one or more pivot locations. The energy generator may output a first force that causes an accumulation of energy in the energy storage element while the link assembly is in a first configuration and transitions the link assembly from the first configuration to a second configuration. The energy storage element may release the energy accumulated in the energy storage element when the link assembly is in the second configuration. The link assembly in the second configuration may trigger a motion of the series elastic robotic limb by at least amplifying the first force output by the energy generator and a second force associated with the energy released from the energy storage element.

Series elastic power modulation for robotic locomotion

In one embodiment, a torque-compensating assistive wrist brace includes a hand member adapted to be provided on a user's hand, a forearm member adapted to be provided on the user's forearm, and an assistive linkage that connects the hand and forearm members together, the assistive linkage being configured to apply a balancing torque to a wrist of the user that counteracts intrinsic stiffness within the wrist and assists the user in rotating the wrist in both the flexion and extension directions.

Torque-compensating assistive wrist braces

In one embodiment, a torque-compensating assistive wrist brace includes a hand member adapted to be provided on a user's hand, a forearm member adapted to be provided on the user's forearm, and an assistive linkage that connects the hand and forearm members together and that applies a balancing torque to a wrist of the user that counteracts intrinsic stiffness within the wrist and assists the user in rotating the wrist in both the flexion and extension directions.

Growing community of inventors

Irvine, CA, United States of America

Mark Plecnik