Ankle strength brace

Ankle Strength Assist Device

This technology is a non-powered, passive strength assistance mechanism that aids walking through elastic deformation and restorative force generated during joint flexion, utilizing a link structure positioned on the medial and lateral sides of the user's ankle joint along with leaf-spring-type elastic members mounted at the front and rear.

Existing strength assist devices are often complex and heavy, making them difficult to carry and expensive to manufacture, which hinders commercialization. Furthermore, they pose a high risk of ankle sprains during walking if the user's ankle strength weakens.

This technology features rotatable link members coupled between fixation members that support the calf and foot around the ankle joint. By mounting leaf springs (elastic members) on the sides of these links, the device stores and releases elastic energy based on the joint's flexion angle to assist muscle strength. It can be applied to rehabilitation training, gait assistance, and medical/welfare services, improving the ability to perform walking motions smoothly while enhancing user comfort.

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Key Features:

• First and second link members connected between a first fixation member and a second fixation member on the medial and lateral sides of the ankle joint
• First and second elastic members mounted on the first and second link members, oriented toward the front or rear of the ankle joint
• First and second fixation members spaced apart around the ankle joint
• An ankle strength assist device where the first or second link member returns to its original state by the restorative force of the first or second elastic member.

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research into human-augmentation wearable healthcare technology.