# Flexible Footplate for Robotic Walking Assistance > This patent describes a specialized composite footplate for footwear that includes a mechanical joint to help users with natural foot movements like pointing toes up or down, and rolling their ankles, especially when connected to an exoskeleton. - **Patent:** US 11304827 - **Original title:** Unidirectional actuated exoskeleton device - **Owner:** Dephy - **Granted:** 2022 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 1 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, robotics, medical_devices, wearable_technology, mechanical ## What it does The patent details a composite footplate built into the sole of a shoe, positioned between the inner and outer soles (Claim 1). This footplate is made from strong, layered materials like carbon fiber, allowing it to be flexible around the metatarsal joint region (the ball of the foot) and vary in thickness. A key feature is a mechanical joint on the footplate that moves in multiple ways, including plantar flexion (pointing toes down), dorsiflexion (pointing toes up), eversion (rolling the ankle outward), and inversion (rolling the ankle inward) relative to the user's lower leg (Claim 1). This mechanical joint often includes an "upstanding portion" with a lever arm that can connect to an external exoskeleton actuator, which is a motor that helps power the movement (Claim 3). For example, a person using an exoskeleton for walking assistance might have this footplate in their shoe, and the exoskeleton could use the lever arm to help push off the ground during a step. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover footplates made of a single, non-composite material or those without varied thickness. - Does not cover footplates that are rigid and lack flexibility at the metatarsal joint region. - Does not cover mechanical joints that only allow a single type of foot movement, like just dorsiflexion. - Does not cover footplates that extend upward from both sides of the footwear, as it specifies extending upward only from one lateral most side. - Does not cover exoskeletons that attach directly to the leg without an integrated footplate within the shoe. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in creating a composite footplate that is not only flexible and varied in thickness but also incorporates a multi-axis mechanical joint directly into the footwear. This joint is specifically designed to allow for complex, natural foot movements (plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, eversion, inversion) and to easily connect to an exoskeleton actuator, enabling powered assistance that feels more integrated with the user's natural gait. ## Real-world examples 1. Dephy Inc.'s own Exoboot or Exo-Knee products 2. Assistive walking devices for stroke patients 3. Rehabilitation exoskeletons for spinal cord injury 4. Exoskeletons for industrial workers or military personnel ## Why it matters This patent is important for the development of more advanced and comfortable exoskeletons, particularly for assisting human walking. By integrating a multi-axis mechanical joint directly into a shoe's footplate, it allows for more natural and adaptable movement compared to rigid systems. This technology can benefit fields like rehabilitation, helping people with mobility impairments, or even enhancing performance for athletes or workers in physically demanding jobs. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Flexible Footplate for Robotic Walking Assistance cover? This patent describes a specialized composite footplate for footwear that includes a mechanical joint to help users with natural foot movements like pointing toes up or down, and rolling their ankles, especially when connected to an exoskeleton. ### Who owns patent US 11304827? Dephy owns this patent, granted in 2022. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on March 7, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 11304827 cited by? This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This patent is important for the development of more advanced and comfortable exoskeletons, particularly for assisting human walking. By integrating a multi-axis mechanical joint directly into a shoe's footplate, it allows for more natural and adaptable movement compared to rigid systems. This technology can benefit fields like rehabilitation, helping people with mobility impairments, or even enhancing performance for athletes or workers in physically demanding jobs. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover footplates made of a single, non-composite material or those without varied thickness. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11304827/unidirectional-actuated-exoskeleton-device **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US11304827 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How an Exoskeleton Joint Moves with a Motor, Screw, and Linkage](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11673253/actuator-devices-for-human-exoskeleton-joints) — This patent describes a compact and efficient way to make an exoskeleton joint bend and straighten using a motor, a special screw, and a clever set of levers. - [How Exoskeletons Use Screws and Cables to Move Joints](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10702441/ball-screw-and-tensile-member-exoskeleton-joint-actuation-device) — This patent describes a mechanical system for exoskeletons that uses a rotating screw to push a nut, which then pulls cables to make a joint bend or straighten. - [How a Robotic Exoskeleton Helps Your Shoulder Move](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10800031/spherical-parallel-manipulator-architecture-for-shoulder-robotic-exoskeleton) — This patent describes a robotic shoulder exoskeleton using multiple straight-moving actuators arranged in a "spherical parallel manipulator" to assist or rehabilitate arm movements while preventing joint misalignment. - [Exoskeleton Shoulder Joint That Adapts to Your Arm's Movement](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10814473/mechanism-for-alleviating-the-effects-of-joint-misalignment-between-users-and-we) — This patent describes a shoulder exoskeleton that uses a special slip mechanism to prevent the robot's joints from getting out of sync with a user's natural arm movements, making it more comfortable and effective. - [How Humanoid Robot Actuators Connect with a Smart Wire Assembly](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734717/humanoid-robot-with-advanced-wiring-assembly) — This patent describes a specific way to connect two moving parts (actuators) in a humanoid robot using a wire bundle that routes through openings and connects to circuit boards with different numbers of pins.