Wearable devices for protecting against musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing performance

A wearable device, wearer technology, applied in applications, passive exercise equipment, non-surgical orthopaedic surgery, etc., can solve problems such as reduced work function and quality of life, disability, recurrent attacks, etc.

Pending Publication Date: 2020-11-27
PRESIDENT & FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These activities can lead to recurrent and disabling

Method used

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  • Wearable devices for protecting against musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing performance
  • Wearable devices for protecting against musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing performance
  • Wearable devices for protecting against musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing performance

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment approach

[0220] a.F=α1x1+α2x2+...+αnxn where,

[0221] This approach can be followed to combine optimization of variables associated with providing physical assistance to the wearer (eg, peak muscle activity during lifting) and variables associated with the efficiency of the system (eg, battery life). Some example weights for two or more objects in an object function include:

[0222] Optimization of motion-related variables (lifting kinematics) and device performance-related variables (eg, device battery life).

[0223] Multiple variables such as peak muscle activity, posture during activity, battery life and comfort of the device are optimized by taking a weighted sum.

[0224] Multiple variables related to motion (eg, differential kinematics compared to baseline) as well as variables related to the interaction of wearable device 100 and the wearer (eg, user comfort) are optimized.

[0225] Optimizes peak muscle activity of targeted muscles without compromising muscle activity of...

example 1A

[0248] Representative Example 1A: Passive Devices for Back and Hip Support

[0249] As mentioned earlier, overexertion can often lead to fatigue and musculoskeletal damage. The back accounts for the majority of all overexertion injuries in the industry. Risk factors that can lead to back injuries include heavy lifting, repetitive lifting, prolonged periods of stationary posture, or lifting weights with suboptimal body positions.

[0250] In some circumstances when performing a task, it is necessary to work while bending over, but this posture creates strain on the lower back which over time can lead to chronic back pain or more serious back damage .

[0251] Some examples of activities that can benefit from back assist devices include:

[0252] a. Lifting objects, lifting heavy objects, or lifting objects in a position that is not ergonomically optimal are activities that may require back support.

[0253] b. Holding the object or transporting the object (especially if the o...

example 6

[0337] Example 6: Optimizing controls for shoulder assist to support overhead work

[0338] In an example, a healthy subject may need to perform overhead work to assemble different components in an overhead structure. This is a very common task eg in the automotive industry where factory workers will work underneath the car to perform assembly tasks, for example. As an example, in these cases, a worker may perform multiple repetitions of grabbing different components (such as screws, nuts, or other parts) from a table, The tool attaches these parts to the structure and / or grabs new parts from the table.

[0339] Performing overhead work strains the muscles in the neck and shoulders. The muscles in the shoulder tend to fatigue very quickly when performing overhead work, which is why it is considered one of the most common causes of injury due to body position.

[0340] Wearable assistive devices can be worn around the shoulders, such as Figure 27 As shown, in order to prov...

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PUM

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Abstract

Wearable devices protect against musculoskeletal injuries and enhance performance. Systems and methods provide wearable devices to assist with human motion during physical activities, such as performing movements (e.g., lifting) and holding static poses (e.g., crouching, or holding a tool while working overhead). Materials, constructions, and system architectures allow the wearable devices to be worn over, under, or integrated into clothing for extended periods of time to improve performance or reduce risk of injury. Sensors may be included in the wearable devices to detect various activities,motions, and postures of the wearer, and various active and semi-active controls approaches may leverage sensor information to provide tailored assistance to individual users. Various controls optimization techniques ensure the wearable devices operate at peak efficiency.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 631,666, filed February 17, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 757,138, filed November 7, 2018, all of which The entire content of is incorporated herein by reference. Background technique [0003] Individuals performing strenuous physical labor as part of their daily activities can be tiring and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. For example, workers in the manufacturing, construction, warehousing, and logistics industries routinely perform demanding physical activities such as repetitive lifting, lifting heavy objects, transporting equipment and materials over long distances, and holding various positions for extended periods of time. These activities can lead to recurrent and disabling seizures that reduce work function and quality of life. Overwork accounts for the majority of all nonfatal wo...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61H3/00A61F5/02A61H1/02B25J9/00
CPCA61F5/028B25J9/0006B25J9/0009B25J9/126B25J9/104B25J9/1674B25J9/1653B25J9/161A61F5/0102A61B5/1116A61F2005/0155A61F2005/0162A61F2005/0167
Inventor I·G·布展达C·J·沃尔什M·鲁洛J·钟T-F·莫泽Y·丁D·L·内桑森N·P·莫纳德
Owner PRESIDENT & FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
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