Active Exoskeleton Boot Battery Layout Without External Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton systems with batteries located near the waist require exposed cables that introduce snag hazards, add mass, and cause power losses and radio interference, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A local battery system integrated into the exoskeleton, positioned near the knee, eliminates the need for external cables by using a waterproof and weight-mounted battery module that provides power directly to the actuators, reducing mass and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is located near the waist to power the exoskeleton, then the exoskeleton can be powered, but exposed cables are required which introduce snag hazards, add mass, and cause power losses and radio interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a battery module with integrated electronics housed in a waterproof enclosure, and a motor module. This segmentation allows the battery to be positioned locally near the ankle without requiring external cables, eliminating snag hazards and radio interference while maintaining reliable power delivery to the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery module is nested within the waterproof housing that also contains the motor and electronics. The battery holder is coupled to the shin pad, and the battery module is inserted into the battery holder, creating a compact integrated unit that eliminates the need for external cable connections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If exposed cables are used to connect the battery to the actuators, then power can be transmitted, but mass increases and power losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element of exposed cables is extracted from the system by integrating the battery, electronics, and motor into a single waterproof module. Power is transmitted internally through sealed connections within the module, eliminating cable-related mass and power losses from external connections.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a local battery system is integrated into the exoskeleton near the knee, then snag hazards and radio interference are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (battery, electronics, motor, waterproof housing, and mounting structures) are merged into a single integrated module. This combination simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for separate cable management, external battery mounting, and multiple connection points, thereby reducing device complexity while minimizing snag hazards.
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 local battery system enhances user comfort and performance by minimizing snag hazards, power losses, and radio interference, providing efficient and reliable power to the exoskeleton 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 that includes 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
Data Source
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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.