Patent ID: 9730824
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: A61F,G01L

Claim:
1. A torque sensor for an orthotic or prosthetic device comprising a joint portion thereof for providing flexion and extension movement of the device, an actuator providing a controllable force during at least one of the flexion and extension movements, and a frictional band member configured to generate a frictional force during flexion and/or extension movements, said torque sensor comprising: a deformable portion mounted to the joint portion; and a sensor in operational communication with said deformable portion to measure a deformation of said deformable portion, wherein when a braking torque is provided by the actuator the frictional band member provides an additional braking torque which is transmitted to said deformable portion causing deformation thereof, and said sensor measures the deformation of said deformable portion thereby allowing for determining the torque.