Self contained powered exoskeleton walker for a disabled user

Abstract

A walker by a mobility impaired disabled user while moving through a set of movements correlating to a walking motion. The walker comprises an exoskeleton, a power source in the form of a battery pack or other similar onboard power pack together with its associated power supply cables, and a control systemThe exoskeleton comprises a rigid pelvic support member including a pelvic harness and a pair of leg structures Each of the leg structures comprise an upper leg structural member, a lower leg structural member, a foot member, a main hip actuator, a knee actuator and a main foot actuator.

Description

[0001]This is a Continuation-in-Part of PCT / NZ08 / 000,351 filed Dec. 24, 2008 and published in English, claiming benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 006,136, filed Dec. 26, 2007, hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a self contained powered exoskeleton walker for a disabled user that at least substitutes fully disabled functions of a user required for walking. In particular but not solely the present invention relates to a robotic exoskeleton that a paraplegic person is fully supportable by, in an upright condition to effect a walking gait.BACKGROUND[0003]During a walking stride by a non disabled person, the centre of mass of their body weight tends to move loosely between being almost directly above one foot, to being above the other foot, in a side to side reciprocating movement of their body weight. This side to side reciprocation of the body weight is minimised by having the feet extend inwardly to almost directly be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]iii) a control system configurable for controlling movement of at least one or more selected from said main hip actuators, knee actuators, and main foot actuators, thereby to move the exoskeleton relative to the ground on which the walking aid is positioned, for at least the purposes of effecting a walking motion to said user.

[0093]Preferably a control system is provided configurable for controlling movement of at least one or more selected from said main hip actuators, knee actuators, and main foot actuators, thereby to move the exoskeleton relative to the ground on which the walking aid is positioned, for at least the purposes of effecting a walking motion to said user.

Problems solved by technology

Lack of movement of the legs of a paraplegic person is known to cause a number of complications.

Many are spinal injured and hence together with muscle wastage and lack of circulation in the limbs and abdomen due to being seated, complications arise.

These can include skin problems such as pressure sores, bladder infections, deep vein thrombosis and contracture.

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