Back-Mounted Assistive Suit Layout for Mobility and Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional assistive suits face challenges such as difficulty in movement due to rearward protrusions, inadequate waist attachment, cumbersome putting on and taking off, and insufficient adjustment of assisting force to match operator needs.
Innovation Solution
The assistive suit is designed with aligned devices on the main body portion to minimize rear protrusion, an adjustable attachment belt with pads for secure fitting, and mechanisms for easy donning and doffing, along with adjustable assisting force based on operator movement and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic systems are used to assist users with mobility, then mobility assistance is provided, but users lose autonomy and dignity
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to control their own mobility assistance through intuitive interfaces (joystick, voice commands, or automatic mode), enabling them to serve themselves rather than being passively moved by a robotic system. This maintains user autonomy while providing mobility support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between manual control mode ( joystick/voice) and automatic control mode based on user needs and environment, adapting its level of autonomy to preserve user dignity while providing appropriate assistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exoskeletons are designed to fit different body types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is divided into adjustable modular segments (thigh, shin, foot portions) that can be independently sized and configured. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different body types without requiring a completely different design for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable parameters (link lengths, joint positions, fastening points) that can be modified to match different user anthropometrics. This allows a single exoskeleton design to accommodate various body types through parameter adjustment rather than redesign.
3Ease of operation
If exoskeletons are made lightweight for user comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton employs composite materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers or aluminum alloys) that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the structure to be lightweight for user comfort while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support and move the user's body weight.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided: a main body portion (1) that has a flat shape and is configured to be attached to a back of an operator so as to extend along the back; a load operating portion (3) that extends forward from the main body portion (1) across the operator to hold a load; a lifting/lowering device (M1) that drives to lift and lower the load operating portion (3); a control device (C) that controls lifting/lowering driving that is performed by the lifting/lowering device (M1); and a power supply device (V) for driving. The lifting/lowering device (M1), the control device (C) and the power supply device (V) are provided on the main body portion (1) so as to be aligned along a flat surface of the main body portion (1).