Active Exoskeleton Boot With Local Battery for Cable-Free Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exoskeletons with battery power sources face issues such as snag hazards, power losses, and radio interference due to exposed cables, and the mass distribution is not optimal when batteries are located near the waist, affecting user comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
An active exoskeleton with a local battery module integrated into the exoskeleton boot, providing a sealed and water-resistant power source close to the knee, eliminating the need for external cables and optimizing mass distribution for improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the battery is located near the waist, then the power source is centralized, but the mass distribution is not optimal affecting user comfort and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton system is divided into modular components with the battery pack as a separate, removable module. This segmentation allows the battery to be positioned in the boot rather than centralized at the waist, optimizing mass distribution along the limb while maintaining ease of replacement and charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery location is moved from the traditional waist-mounted position (horizontal dimension) to the boot-mounted position (vertical dimension along the limb). This dimensional change redistributes mass along the length of the limb, improving ergonomics and reducing the torque required at the hip joint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exposed cables are used for power delivery, then the battery can be remotely positioned, but snag hazards and power losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack integrates the power source, electronic circuitry, and connector into a single unified module that attaches directly to the boot. This merging eliminates the need for exposed cables, preventing snag hazards and power losses while maintaining the flexibility of removable battery positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed connector interface acts as an intermediary between the battery pack and the exoskeleton boot. This intermediary enables reliable electrical connection without exposed cables, transferring power efficiently while protecting against environmental factors and preventing cable-related hazards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If exposed cables are used for power delivery, then the battery can be remotely positioned, but radio interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack combines the power source and electronic circuitry into a single shielded enclosure. This integration allows the entire electromagnetic-emitting system to be contained and shielded together, eliminating radio interference while preserving the ability to remotely position the battery in the boot.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is enclosed in a sealed housing that creates an electromagnetic shielded environment. This inert electromagnetic atmosphere contains radio frequency emissions within the battery pack, preventing interference with external communication devices while allowing flexible battery positioning.
4Reliability
If the battery module is sealed and water-resistant, then protection against environmental factors is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cells, electronic circuitry, and connector are integrated into a single sealed module. This merging allows the entire assembly to be sealed together as one unit, providing comprehensive environmental protection while simplifying manufacturing compared to sealing multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack uses a sealed housing with integrated gaskets and waterproof connectors to achieve water resistance. This approach provides environmental protection through a unified sealed structure rather than requiring complex sealing of multiple components, balancing reliability with manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances user mobility by reducing mass felt by the user, minimizing snag hazards, and preventing power losses and radio interference, while maintaining efficient power delivery to the exoskeleton's actuators.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that can generate torque about an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the user
Implementation Method 2
a battery module held in the battery holder. The battery module can include a first power connector that electrically couples to a second power connector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a battery-powered active exoskeleton boot includes a shin pad and one or more housings. The one or more housings enclose electronic circuitry and an electric motor. The apparatus includes a battery holder coupled to the shin pad and located below the knee of the user and above the one or more housings enclosing the electronic circuitry. The apparatus includes a battery module removably affixed to the battery holder and comprising a first power connector that electrically couples to a second power connector located in the battery holder while attached to the battery holder to provide electric power to the electronic circuitry and the electric motor. The apparatus includes an output shaft coupled to the electric motor. The electronic circuitry controls delivery of power from the battery module to the electric motor to generate torque about the axis of rotation of the ankle joint of the user.