Telescoping Backpack Support Rod with Damping for Exoskeletons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exoskeleton structures that provide force assistance to infantrymen carrying heavy backpacks compromise mobility and cause muscular-skeletal disorders due to the weight distribution, which existing solutions fail to adequately alleviate.
Innovation Solution
A modular exoskeleton structure with a lumbar belt, hip modules, and a backpack support module featuring a telescoping rod with a damper to distribute the backpack's weight, allowing for adjustable length and rotation, and a force sensor to assess the backpack's mass, thereby reducing discomfort and enhancing mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid exoskeleton structure is used to support the backpack, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the mobility and freedom of movement of the user deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed with telescopic capability allowing it to extend and retract, and with rotational joints at both ends enabling multi-directional movement. This dynamic structure adapts to the user's body movements while maintaining load support, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for strength and flexibility for mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod's length parameter is made variable through the telescopic mechanism, allowing adjustment between extended and retracted states. This parameter change enables the structure to transition between providing maximum support and minimizing interference with user movement.
2Device complexity
If the rod length is fixed, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to user movement and comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic rod incorporates a dynamic length adjustment mechanism that allows the rod to extend and retract in response to user movement. This maintains adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of a straightforward telescopic design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rod is rigidly connected to the hoop and backpack, then the structural stability is improved, but the cushioning of movement-induced shocks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod incorporates rotational joints at both ends that allow controlled movement and flexibility. These joints absorb shocks and jolts from user movement while maintaining overall structural stability, eliminating the need for rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism and rotational joints are designed to preemptively absorb and cushion the impacts and jolts generated during user movement, preventing these harmful forces from being transmitted directly to the backpack and user.
4Strength
If the exoskeleton structure is made bulky to provide adequate support, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the user's mobility and freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: a hoop, a telescopic rod, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to provide adequate support through distributed load-bearing elements rather than requiring a single bulky structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic rod's ability to extend and retract, combined with rotational joints, creates a compact yet capable support system that adapts to user movement without requiring excessive bulk.
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 modular exoskeleton effectively relieves the user of the backpack's weight, providing greater comfort and mobility by distributing the load and reducing jolts during movement, while maintaining the user's freedom of movement.
Implementation Method 1
a damper for cushioning the movement of the second rod element with respect to the first rod element caused by the walking of the user
Implementation Method 2
the sliding of the piston inside the cylinder causing compression of the fluid contained in the chamber
Implementation Method 3
the elastic element has a stiffness greater than or equal to 2000 Newtons per meter
Implementation Method 4
the piston delimiting in the interior of the cylinder at least one chamber containing a fluid, the sliding of the piston inside the cylinder causing compression of the fluid contained in the chamber
Implementation Method 5
the first rod element is connected to the hoop by a pivot connection allowing rotation of the rod with respect to the hoop
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular exoskeleton structure that provides force assistance to a user, comprising a base module (1) comprising a lumbar belt (11) capable of surrounding the lower trunk of the user, two hip modules capable of being attached to two respective thighs of the user, and a backpack support module (14) for an exoskeleton structure, comprising:a hoop (141) designed to be anchored to the hip modules, at the hips of a user,a support rod (142) designed to extend along the back of the user and capable of being engaged in a pouch of a backpack to suspend the backpack to the backpack support module (14),wherein the rod (142) comprises a first rod element (1421) connected to the hoop (141), a second rod element (1422) capable of sliding with respect to the first rod element (1421) so as to vary a length of the rod (142), and a damper for cushioning the movement of the second rod element (1421) with respect to the first rod element (1422) caused by the walking of the user.