Wrist device for use with a prosthetic limb
View Patent ↗A multi-axis wrist device is provided for use with a prosthetic limb. The wrist device includes a base plate that is configured for attachment to a prosthetic limb. A cross piece, having first and second axes, can be coupled to the base plate. A prosthetic attachment can be coupled to the cross piece. The cross piece can enable a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment in two different axes. A first and second torsional spring can be coupled to the first and second axes, respectively, to enable the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point.
1. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist, comprising:
a base plate configured for attachment to a prosthetic arm;
a cross piece coupled to the base plate, the cross piece having a first axis and a second axis;
a prosthetic attachment coupled to the cross piece, wherein the cross piece enables a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment about the first axis and the second axis;
a first torsional spring coupled to the first axis of the cross piece, wherein the first torsional spring enables the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point; and
a second torsional spring coupled to the second axis of the cross piece; wherein the second torsional spring enables the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward the center point.
2. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 1 , wherein the cross piece is a universal joint.
3. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock one of the first and the second axis to enable the prosthetic attachment to be held at a predetermined angle.
4. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises at least one spring loaded lock pin configured to enable the locking mechanism to be activated or deactivated.
5. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 4 , wherein the at least one spring loaded lock pin is configured to be inserted into a corresponding locking slot of the cross piece.
6. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the first and second axes.
7. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of wires used to control the prosthetic attachment, wherein the plurality of wires are routed through an opening in the base plate.
8. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist, comprising:
a base plate configured for attachment to a prosthetic arm;
a first axis coupled to the base plate;
a second axis coupled to the base plate, wherein the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the first axis;
a prosthetic attachment coupled to the first and second axes, wherein the axes enable a user to simultaneously flex the prosthetic attachment about the first axis and the second axis;
a first spring coupled to the first axis wherein the first spring enables the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward a center point; and
a second spring coupled to the second axis wherein the second spring enables the prosthetic attachment to be biased toward the center point.
9. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 8 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock at least one of the first and the second axis to enable the prosthetic attachment to be held at a predetermined angle.
10. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 9 , wherein the locking mechanism further comprises at least one spring loaded lock pin configured to enable the locking mechanism to be activated or deactivated.
11. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 10 , wherein the at least one spring loaded lock pin is configured to be inserted into a corresponding locking slot of the cross piece.
12. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 9 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the first and second axes.
13. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of wires used to control the prosthetic attachment, wherein the plurality of wires are routed through an opening in the base plate.
14. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 8 , wherein the first spring is a torsional spring.
15. A multi-axis prosthetic wrist as in claim 8 , wherein the second spring is a torsional spring.