Abstract: Features for a prosthetic digit actuator. The various systems and methods allow for smaller volume actuators, which in turn allows for smaller digits and/or more space for other features of the digit. The actuator includes a motor that causes rotation of a worm gear along a fixed worm wheel. The worm gear is unibody with the output shaft. The worm gear climbs along the worm wheel to cause rotation of a digit or digit segment. The arrangement of the actuator parts allows for transmitting axial forces in first and second directions corresponding respectively to performing opening and closing rotations of the digits.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic wrist and associated methods are described. The wrist couples with a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic hand. The wrist may rotate the hand. The wrist includes features to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. The wrist may have an expanding coupling, such as an expanding ring, to better secure the wrist with the socket. An actuator may cause the coupling to expand outward to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. Alternatively or in addition, the wrist may include torque control features to prevent undesirable or premature separation of the hand from the wrist, for example when using a “quick wrist disconnect” (QWD) apparatus. A torque control method may tailor or limit multiple torques to be applied by the wrist to the hand based on operational requirements and phases, such as anticipated torque loads and operational timing.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a prosthetic or orthotic device (POD) may include a housing and a support. The housing may be attached with the POD. The support may be moveably connected with the housing such that the support may move relative to the housing. The support may form an enclosure with the housing. Within the enclosure, the sensor assembly may include one or more sensors and a circuit board. The one or more sensors may include one or more of an inertial measurement unit, an electromyography sensor, or a distance sensor such as a magnetic sensor and a magnet. The circuit board may be attached with the support and in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors. Movement of the support may cause the sensors to move which may be detected for control of the POD. The sensor assembly may be attached to an arm or other prosthetic socket for detection of natural limb movements.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic wrist and associated methods are described. The wrist couples with a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic hand. The wrist may rotate the hand. The wrist includes features to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. The wrist may have an expanding coupling, such as an expanding ring, to better secure the wrist with the socket. An actuator may cause the coupling to expand outward to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. Alternatively or in addition, the wrist may include torque control features to prevent undesirable or premature separation of the hand from the wrist, for example when using a “quick wrist disconnect” (QWD) apparatus. A torque control method may tailor or limit multiple torques to be applied by the wrist to the hand based on operational requirements and phases, such as anticipated torque loads and operational timing.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic digit actuator. The various systems and methods allow for smaller volume actuators, which in turn allows for smaller digits and/or more space for other features of the digit. The actuator includes a motor that causes rotation of a worm gear along a fixed worm wheel. The worm gear is unibody with the output shaft. The worm gear climbs along the worm wheel to cause rotation of a digit or digit segment. The arrangement of the actuator parts allows for transmitting axial forces in first and second directions corresponding respectively to performing opening and closing rotations of the digits.

Abstract: Features for a prosthetic wrist and associated methods are described. The wrist couples with a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic hand. The wrist may rotate the hand. The wrist includes features to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. The wrist may have an expanding coupling, such as an expanding ring, to better secure the wrist with the socket. An actuator may cause the coupling to expand outward to prevent or mitigate undesirable separation of the wrist from the socket. Alternatively or in addition, the wrist may include torque control features to prevent undesirable or premature separation of the hand from the wrist, for example when using a “quick wrist disconnect” (QWD) apparatus. A torque control method may tailor or limit multiple torques to be applied by the wrist to the hand based on operational requirements and phases, such as anticipated torque loads and operational timing.