Adaptive Exoskeleton Control Presets for Variable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton devices lack the ability to adaptively provide optimal support forces for different work scenarios, leading to inefficient support and potential user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The exoskeleton device incorporates a control system with manually and/or automatically selectable presets that define support force specifications based on input variables such as the position of the support section relative to the base section, allowing for adaptive support in various work scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support force specification is used in the exoskeleton device, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot adapt to different work scenarios resulting in inefficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by providing multiple selectable presets (first preset, second preset, etc.) that define different support force specifications. Each preset contains characteristics that determine how support force varies with input variables such as support section position. This allows the exoskeleton to adapt to different work scenarios by switching between presets, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through structured, selectable configurations rather than continuous complex adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (support force specification, preset characteristics) to adapt to different work scenarios. By modifying the support force specification based on selected presets and input variables like support section position, the device achieves adaptability without requiring complete system redesign. The parameter changes are controlled through predefined presets that manage the complexity aspect
2Reliability
If the support force is continuously adjusted based on multiple variables, then better support for specific work scenarios is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct presets, each handling specific work scenarios. Instead of one complex continuous adjustment system, multiple simplified preset modules are provided, where each preset contains specific characteristics for determining support force based on input variables. This segmentation improves reliability for specific scenarios while managing overall complexity through modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
Within each preset, the support force specification dynamically adjusts based on input variables such as support section position. This dynamic adjustment within predefined presets ensures reliable, scenario-appropriate support while avoiding the complexity of entirely adaptive systems
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton device including an exoskeleton having: a base section for attachment to a body section, a support section movably coupled to the base section for supporting a body part of the human body, and an actuator device acting on the support section for providing a support force for the body part. The exoskeleton device further includes a control device which has at least two manually and/or automatically selectable presets, each of which has at least one preset characteristic which defines a support force specification as a function of at least one input variable. The at least two presets differ in their preset characteristics, and the control device is configured to determine the support force specification as a function of the input variable using a preset selected from the at least two presets and to set the support force on the basis of the support force specification.