A lower limb prosthesis with sensors to affect knee damping resistance

摘要

A lower limb prosthesis comprises a knee joint which includes a dynamically adjustable knee flexion control device 18. A plurality of sensors 52, 53, 54, 85, 87 are arranged to generate signals indicative of at least one kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion or of walking environment, and an electronic control system 100 coupled to the sensors 52, 53, 54, 85, 87 and to the knee flexion control device 18 modifies the flexion control setting of the knee joint 16 in response to signals from the sensors. When the inclination sensor signals indicate descent of a downward incline, the damping resistance of the knee flexion control device 18 is set to a first level during a major part of the stance phase of the gait cycle and to a second, lower level during a major part of the swing phase. During an interval including a latter part of the stance phase, the knee flexion control device 18 is adjusted so that the dampening resistance to knee flexion is between the first and second levels. Example sensor signals are a measured shin bending moment and a measured knee angle.