Exoskeleton Body Weight Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletons do not effectively address the metabolic energy expenditure associated with supporting a user's own body weight during locomotion, which constitutes a significant portion of the energetic cost of walking and running.
Innovation Solution
A body weight support system that connects the user's body to a load-bearing structure, such as an exoskeleton, to transfer body weight to the ground, using leg supports and a sacral support system, with adjustable elastic mechanisms to store and release energy during gait phases, thereby reducing the energetic cost of locomotion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing exoskeletons are used to carry loads, then the load is supported and transferred to the ground, but the user's own body weight is not supported, resulting in high metabolic energy expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: leg supports that connect to the user's legs and an upper body support structure. This segmentation allows the system to specifically target and support body weight without interfering with the load-carrying function of traditional exoskeletons, thereby reducing metabolic energy expenditure while maintaining load support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an anti-weight principle by positioning the upper body support structure and connection points to create upward counteracting forces against gravity. The leg supports connect to the upper body structure in a configuration that generates lift forces, effectively counterbalancing the user's body weight and reducing the metabolic energy required for locomotion.
2Use of energy by moving object
If body weight support is added to exoskeletons, then metabolic cost of locomotion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper body support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the user's body weight, provides structural connection points for the leg supports, and maintains compatibility with traditional load-carrying exoskeleton configurations. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by avoiding the need for separate dedicated body weight support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's own body and movement dynamics to provide support. The leg supports connect to the user's legs and the upper body structure in a way that leverages the user's natural gait and body mechanics, allowing the system to self-adjust and provide support without requiring complex active control mechanisms or powered actuators.
3Force
If connection points are positioned to create upward force, then body weight support is improved, but structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection points are positioned and configured to create equipotential force distribution, where the upward support forces are evenly distributed through the upper body structure to the leg supports. This equipotential configuration simplifies the structural design by ensuring balanced force transmission and reducing the need for complex reinforcement or asymmetric structural elements.
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 system significantly reduces the metabolic cost of locomotion by partially unloading the user's body weight, enhancing endurance and reducing oxygen consumption by up to 20% during walking, as demonstrated by the reduction in energetic cost when supporting a substantial percentage of the user's body weight.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable elastic mechanisms to store and release energy during gait phases
Implementation Method 2
When the user is standing up along a vertical direction, the support system connects at least one first point of connection on the user's body to at least one second point of connection on the load bearing structure, with each first point of connection being lower than each second point of connection in order to create an upward force along the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A body weight support system configured to be worn by a user is provided. The support system comprises for instance a leg support system and optionally a sacral support system, and a passive actuation system, in order to partially support and transfer the user's body weight down to the ground surface. The support system is intended to connect to a load bearing structure worn by the user, such as an exoskeleton, for at least partially supporting and transferring the body weight normally carried in its entirety by the user, to the ground surface, thereby reducing the load effectively supported by the users themselves. The present invention provides passive assistance to the hip movement to facilitate leg movements and in turn reduce the effort required by the individual during locomotion. The body wear support system contributes to the decrease of the energetic cost or consumption of locomotion by user.