Patent ID: 11938044
Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A  B | IPC A  B

Claim 17:
18. An apparatus, comprising:
means for storing energy;
means for providing mechanical advantage, the means for providing mechanical advantage comprising a plurality of links having a relative length configured to achieve a variable mechanical advantage profile in which a mechanical advantage of the means for providing mechanical advantage is at a minimum when the means for providing mechanical advantage is in a crouched configuration, increases as the means for providing mechanical advantage transitions from the crouched configuration to an extended configuration, and is at a maximum when the means for providing mechanical advantage is in the extended configuration; and
means for generating energy,
wherein the means for generating energy outputs a first force, the first force causing an accumulation of energy in the means for storing energy when the means for providing mechanical advantage is in the crouched configuration, and the first force further transitioning the means for providing mechanical advantage from the crouched configuration to the extended configuration,
wherein the means for storing energy releases the energy accumulated in the means for storing energy when the means for providing mechanical advantage is in the extended configuration, and
wherein the means for providing mechanical advantage in the extended configuration amplifies the first force output by the means for generating energy and a second force associated with the energy released from the means for storing energy, the amplified first force and second force triggering a motion of the apparatus, wherein a force amplification achieved by the means for providing mechanical advantage is variable based on respective lengths of the plurality of links, respective masses of the plurality of links, and one or more pivot locations.