Patents by Inventor Matteo Laffranchi
Matteo Laffranchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20250170730Abstract: Non-backdriving rotation transmission mechanism includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a fixed casing having a cylindrical cavity that includes a cylindrical braking surface, at least one braking element connected to the input shaft and output shaft and adapted to interact with said braking surface, and mechanism for actuating the braking element from a non-braking condition to a braking condition. The braking element includes two brake pads articulated to each other and each having at least one braking contact zone adapted to interact with said braking surface, which brake pads are movable from an engagement position wherein the contact zones are remote from each other and are in contact with said braking surface, to a free position wherein the contact zones are close to each other and are not in contact with said braking surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2023Publication date: May 29, 2025Applicants: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER L'ASSICURAZIONE CONTRO GLI INFORTUNI SUL LAVOROInventors: GIUSEPPE MENFI, EMANUELE GRUPPIONI, SAMUEL STEDMAN, NICOLO BOCCARDO, MATTEO LAFFRANCHI, LORENZO DE MICHIELO
-
Publication number: 20250120872Abstract: A powered exoskeleton joint includes an actuation unit and an actuation arm mounted oscillatingly onto the actuation unit. The actuation unit moves the actuation arm oscillatingly around the joint. The actuation arm is coupled to the frame of an exoskeleton by a coupling system. The coupling system includes a first part integral with the actuation arm and another part integral with the exoskeleton frame, which parts are insertable at least partially inside each other, as a male part and a female part, the male part passing from an inserted condition to an extracted condition, and vice-versa. The female part has tapered surfaces complementary to external surfaces of a male end of the male part and includes a pin for locking the male part in the inserted condition, mounted translatable according to a direction incident to the insertion direction, which engages with a corresponding locking housing provided on the male part.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2022Publication date: April 17, 2025Inventors: Riccardo VACCARO, Simone TRAVERSO, Michele CANEPA, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Matteo LAFFRANCHI
-
Publication number: 20250041079Abstract: A Hannes-type hand prosthesis (1) has fingers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) provided with phalanges (31, 32) controlled in flexion and extension by a system of sliding cables (5, 5a, 5b) and pulleys (64, 65). A stopping device (100, 101, 103, 104, 105) acts upon a slider (62) supporting the pulleys (64, 65) for selectively stopping the movements of the fingers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), so that, when the user commands the actuation of some of them, the other fingers will remain locked in the flexed or extended position, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2022Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: Nicolò BOCCARDO, Samuel STEDMAN, Paolo ROSSI, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Michele CANEPA, Emanuele GRUPPIONI
-
Publication number: 20240390166Abstract: It is provided a prosthetic joint (1) configured to mutually rotate two prostheses (1a, 1b) and comprising two attachments of the prosthetic joint (1) to the prostheses (1, 1b); a movement member (4) defining a rotation between the attachments (2, 3) and comprising a first actuator (41) defining a first torque; a second actuator (42) defining a second torque greater than the first torque and a kinematic mechanism (43) defining a low thrust configuration in which only the first actuator (41) is kinematically connected to the attachment (2) defining a rotational torque not greater than the first torque, and a high thrust configuration in which both actuators (41, 42) are kinematically connected to the coupling (2) defining a rotational torque substantially between the first torque and the sum of the first and second torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2022Publication date: November 28, 2024Inventors: Lorenzo GUERCINI, Giovanni Sergio MILANDRI, Simone TRAVERSO, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI
-
Publication number: 20240350283Abstract: It is provided a joint prosthesis (1) configured to reciprocally rotate a first prosthesis (1a) and a second prosthesis (1b) and comprising: a first attachment (2) to the first prosthesis (1a); a second attachment (3) to the second prosthesis (1b): a hinge (4) defining an axis of rotation (4a) between the attachments (2, 3); a mover (5) configured to apply to the hinge (4) a driving torque defining a reciprocal rotation between the attachments (2, 3); and a compensator (6) configured to apply to the hinge (4) a variable locking torque depending on the angular opening between the attachments (2, 3) and defining the minimum torque to be applied to the hinge (4) to have said reciprocal rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2022Publication date: October 24, 2024Inventors: Samuel STEDMAN, Nicolò BOCCARDO, Lorenzo LOMBARDI, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Andrea MARINELLI, Emanuele GRUPPIONI
-
Publication number: 20240316798Abstract: An exoskeleton having a mechanism for elastically balancing loads applied to the exoskeleton is provided. The mechanism has a rigid connection element and a rigid housing mutually pivoted to one another about a first axis of oscillation and attachable to respective relatively rotatable parts of the exoskeleton. A lever is rotatably mounted to the rigid housing about a second axis of oscillation. A flexible traction element has a first end rotationally secured to the rigid connection element with respect to the first axis of oscillation and a second end secured to the lever at a securing point spaced from the second axis of oscillation. A compression spring exerts a thrust, away from the first axis of oscillation, against a portion of the lever intermediately between the second axis of oscillation and the securing point to the second end of the flexible traction element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2022Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: Luca DE GUGLIELMO, Gianluca CAPITTA, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI
-
Publication number: 20240293239Abstract: A prosthetic device includes an articular actuator assembly including a reduction gearbox that includes an actuating part connected to an output of the reduction gearbox and an actuated part integral with a distal portion of the prosthetic device. The actuating part and the actuated part are provided with abutment and reciprocal fitting. The abutment surfaces are provided on at least one protrusion of the actuating part and on at least one protrusion of the actuated part. In a decoupled condition the protrusion of the actuating part is positioned angularly, spaced from the protrusion of the actuated part and constitutes an end stop for the extension of the distal portion and allows free flexion of the distal portion. In a coupled condition the protrusions are in abutment with each other and actuate the relative rotation of the distal portion with respect to a proximal portion of the prosthetic device in extension.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2022Publication date: September 5, 2024Inventors: Andrea CHERUBINI, Michele CANEPA, Nicolò BOCCARDO, Simone TRAVERSO, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Emanuele GRUPPIONI, Samuele DE GIUSEPPE, Josephus Johannes Maria DRIESSEN, Paolo ROSSI
-
Publication number: 20240238147Abstract: A method and a system are provided for determining the torque to be delivered by the motorized joints of a lower limb exoskeleton during a walk of a subject with locomotor deficits. The method provides for setting the torque to be delivered by the motorized joints based on various phases of the walk, a step being provided for determining a state of the walk moment by moment. The determination of the state of the walk is made by detecting the distance along the sagittal plane between the two feet of the patient, so as to identify three conditions, of which a right foot condition forward, an aligned foot condition and a left foot condition forward, the motorized joints being configured to detect the distance along the sagittal plane between the two feet of the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2022Publication date: July 18, 2024Inventors: Wiebke HINTERLANG, Stefano MALUDROTTU, Christian VASSALLO, Silvia SCARPETTA, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Michela CHIAPPALONE, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Maurizio FERRARIN, Tiziana LENCIONI, Johanna JONSDOTTIR
-
Patent number: 11833065Abstract: An artificial wrist including a static body adapted to be bound to a support; a movable body adapted to be bound to an end effector; and a junction block defining an axis of rotation between the static body and the movable body and including a cable suitable to be moved by mutual rotation of the bodies and around the axis of rotation, and elastic member placing the cable under tensile stress and working in opposition to the movement of the cable to define a rest position in which the cable and the elastic member exerts a zero resulting torque on the bodies and, and an activation position in which they exert a non-zero resulting torque on the bodies and, bringing the bodies and back to the rest position.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignees: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, INAIL—ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER L'ASSICURAZIONE CONTRO GLI INFORTUNIInventors: Simone Traverso, Andrea Lince, Matteo Laffranchi, Lorenzo De Michieli
-
Publication number: 20230380993Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for limbs of the human body, in particular the leg, actuated by means of an actuator (10) capable of both generating and collecting energy. The actuator is a linear electro-hydrostatic (EHA) one, and is more compact and efficient than traditional drives based on electro-mechanical gears. Through a suitable kinematic chain, the actuator (10) produces an angle-dependent transmission ratio. The invention also comprises a generated rotor pump (20), whose external rotor is supported by rolling means.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Federico TESSARI, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Renato GALLUZZI, Nicola AMATI, Andrea TONOLI
-
Publication number: 20230372125Abstract: An ankle prosthesis is disclosed having an actuation system so as to act as a brake, modulated by motor means, proportional to the load stressing the prosthesis. The prosthesis is advantageously capable of reducing the work necessary to lift the prosthesis while maintaining an anthropometric encumbrance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2021Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicants: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, I.N.A.I.L. - ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER L'ASSICURAZIONE CONTRO GLI INFORTUNI SUL LAVOROInventors: Lorenzo GUERCINI, Simone TRAVERSO, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI
-
Publication number: 20220125605Abstract: An artificial wrist comprising including a static body adapted to be bound to a support; a movable body adapted to be bound to an end effector; and a junction block defining an axis of rotation between the static body and the movable body and comprising including a cable suitable to be moved by mutual rotation of the bodies and around the axis of rotation, and elastic member placing the cable under tensile stress and working in opposition to the movement of the cable so as to define a rest position in which the cable and the elastic member exerts a zero resulting torque on the bodies and, and an activation position in which they exert a non-zero resulting torque on the bodies and, bringing the bodies and back to the rest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Simone TRAVERSO, Andrea LINCE, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI
-
Patent number: 11278432Abstract: Underactuated prosthetic hand including base body; first and second prosthetic fingers each hinged to the base body; first control cable; actuator to move the first control cable; and for each pair of fingers second control cable having control ends associated with the first and second fingers; and transmission block to allow first control cable to control second control cable; transmission block includes guide integral with base body and defining sliding axis; movable element sliding along guide; first pulley for sliding first control cable hinged to movable element and second pulley for sliding second control cable hinged to the movable element so actuator, when moving first cable, determines moveable element translational movement to displace second control cable and the fingers; and elastic means opposing moveable element translational movement so the moveable element translational movement opposes elastic means allowing them to facilitate return to moveable element initial position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignees: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA, INAIL-ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER L'ASSICURAZIONE CONTRO GLI INFORTUNIInventors: Simone Traverso, Andrea Lince, Matteo Laffranchi, Lorenzo De Michieli, Nicolò Boccardo
-
Patent number: 11160714Abstract: A foot for a robotic exoskeleton includes three rigid foot segments, namely a middle foot segment arranged to be connected to a leg of the robotic exoskeleton, a front foot segment elastically connected to the front end of the middle foot segment by a first set of leaf springs and a rear foot segment elastically connected to the rear end of the middle foot segment by a second set of leaf springs. The foot has laces for fastening the foot to a person's shoe. In the condition where the front foot segment and the rear foot segment are both in contact with the ground, and no load is applied onto the foot, the middle foot segment is not in contact with the ground, but is elastically suspended by the first and second sets of springs.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIAInventors: Matteo Laffranchi, Stefano D'Angella, Paolo Uboldi, Jody Alessandro Saglia, Carlo Sanfilippo
-
Publication number: 20210259856Abstract: A prosthetic wrist unit includes a drive motor, to be interposed between the distal end of an arm prosthesis and a prosthetic terminal device for positioning the terminal device at desired orientations. A reduction mechanism includes first and second cycloidal reduction stages, connected to each other, the first stage having a central wheel connected to the motor shaft, one or more satellite wheels rotatably placed on a planet carrier, and a fixed outer ring gear, the satellite wheels being in peripheral contact with the central wheel and the outer ring gear, the planet carrier being connected to the second stage. The central wheel, the satellite wheels and the outer ring gear have smooth mutually engaging surfaces, causing a rolling of the satellite wheels on the outer ring gear by friction forces generated by radial interference between the central wheel, the satellite wheels and the outer ring gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2019Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Andrea Lince, Simone Traverso, Emanuele Gruppioni, Matteo Laffranchi, Lorenzo De Michieli
-
Publication number: 20210228383Abstract: Prosthetic finger including attachment constraining the finger to external body; phalanx proximal to attachment and phalanx distal to attachment and hinged to attachment defining first axis of rotation; distal phalanx hinged to proximal phalanx on opposite side of the attachment defining second axis of rotation; actuator to control rotation of phalanges; control cable defining control end constrained to distal phalanx and controlling rotation of phalanges in first direction. For each prosthetic finger; a return cable defining first return end constrained to attachment and second return end constrained to distal phalanx; elastic body to keep the return cable under tension and oppose the control cable, so when the control cable rotates the phalanges in the first direction, it moves the return cable, loading the elastic body and allowing the elastic body to control rotation of said phalanges in second direction opposite to the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Simone TRAVERSO, Andrea LINCE, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI
-
Publication number: 20210128323Abstract: Underactuated prosthetic hand including base body; and second prosthetic fingers each hinged to the base body; first control cable; actuator to move the first control cable; and for each pair of fingers second control cable having control ends associated with the first and second fingers; and transmission block to allow first control cable to control second control cable; transmission block includes guide integral with base body and defining sliding axis; movable element sliding along guide; first pulley for sliding first control cable hinged to movable element and second pulley for sliding second control cable hinged to the movable element so actuator, when moving first cable, determines moveable element translational movement to displace second control cable and the fingers; and elastic means opposing moveable element translational movement so the moveable element translational movement opposes elastic means allowing them to facilitate return to moveable element initial position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Simone TRAVERSO, Andrea LINCE, Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Lorenzo DE MICHIELI, Nicolò BOCCARDO
-
Patent number: 10788109Abstract: An actuation device (1) comprising a threaded shaft (2) connected at one end to driving means adapted to allow the threaded shaft (2) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (a). A movable element (3) is provided with a cylindrical cavity (30) adapted to receive the threaded shaft (2), and configured so that a rotation of the threaded shaft (2) corresponds to a translation the movable element (3) along the longitudinal axis (a). The device (1) has two guiding rods (4,4?) coupled to the movable element (3) and adapted to constrain the translation of the latter along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (a). Element (3) comprises a first (31) and a second (32) element constrained to each other, wherein the first element (31) is coupled to the threaded shaft (2) and the second element (32) is coupled to the two guiding rods (4,4?).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignees: FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECHNOLOGIA, ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER L'ASSICURAZIONE CONTRO GLI INFORTUNI SUL LAVOROInventors: Matteo Laffranchi, Stefano D'Angella, Samuele Cappa, Paolo Uboldi, Jody Saglia, Carlo Sanfilippo, Emanuele Gruppioni
-
Publication number: 20190203815Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation device (1) comprising a threaded shaft (2) connected at one end to driving means adapted to allow the threaded shaft (2) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (?). The device further comprises a movable element (3) provided with a cylindrical cavity (30) adapted to receive the threaded shaft (2), and configured in such a way that a rotation of the threaded shaft (2) corresponds to a translation the movable element (3) along the longitudinal axis (?). The device (1) further comprises two guiding rods (4,4?) coupled to the movable element (3) and adapted to constrain the translation of the latter along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (?). The movable element (3) comprises a first (31) and a second (32) element constrained to each other, wherein the first element (31) is coupled to the threaded shaft (2) and the second element (32) is coupled to the two guiding rods (4,4?).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2017Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Matteo LAFFRANCHI, Stefano D'ANGELLA, Samuele CAPPA, Paolo UBOLDI, Jody SAGLIA, Carlo FILIPPO, Emanuele GRUPPIONI
-
Publication number: 20190000708Abstract: The foot comprises three rigid foot segments, namely a middle foot segment arranged to be connected to a leg of the robotic exoskeleton, a front foot segment elastically connected to the front end of the middle foot segment by means of a first set of leaf springs, and a rear foot segment elastically connected to the rear end of the middle foot segment by means of a second set of leaf springs. The foot is preferably configured in such a manner that in the condition where the front foot segment and the rear foot segment are both in contact with the ground, and no load is applied onto the foot, the middle foot segment is not in contact with the ground, but is elastically suspended by means of the first and second sets of springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2016Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Matteo Laffranchi, STEFANO D'ANGELLA, PAOLO UBOLDI, JODY ALESSANDRO SAGLIA, CARLO SANFILIPPO