Active Exoskeleton Boot With Local Battery for Cable-Free Power Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exoskeletons face challenges with power management, including snag hazards, power losses, and radio interference due to long cables and exposed battery locations near the waist, which also increase the mass felt by the user.

Innovation Solution

The development of a battery-powered active exoskeleton boot with a local battery module integrated into the exoskeleton, positioned below the knee, which eliminates the need for long cables and reduces mass by locating the battery closer to the knee.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the battery is located near the waist, then power delivery to the ankle joint is achieved, but the mass felt by the user increases and snag hazards occur due to long cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidmass felt by user

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The exoskeleton system is divided into separate modules: a battery module positioned in the waist region and an actuator module positioned in the ankle region. This segmentation allows the battery to be located optimally for power management while the actuator is positioned for effective torque delivery, reducing the need for long heavy cables and minimizing the mass felt by the user at the ankle joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cable management system acts as an intermediary between the battery module and actuator module, using routing channels and tensioning mechanisms to minimize cable length and prevent snag hazards while maintaining power delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If long cables are used to connect battery to ankle actuator, then power can be delivered, but power losses and radio interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidpower losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power delivery path into manageable sections with intermediate connection points, allowing for optimized cable routing that minimizes length and resistance while maintaining adequate power delivery to the ankle actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional long cable connections with a modular mechanical connection system that includes integrated power and data interfaces, reducing cable length and associated power losses and radio interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the battery is positioned in the waist, then power supply is achieved, but snag hazards and radio interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidsnag hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system serves as an intermediary that protects the connection between battery and actuator, using routing channels and protective conduits to prevent cable snagging while maintaining power supply functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the battery module into a separate, independently managed unit with its own protective housing and dedicated mounting system, isolating it from potential snag hazards while maintaining power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enhances user mobility by reducing the weight and bulk of the exoskeleton, minimizing snag hazards, and reducing power losses and radio interference, while maintaining efficient power delivery to the ankle joint.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor that can generate torque about an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a battery module that can provide electric power to the electronic circuitry and the electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12336953B2Systems and methods for an active exoskeleton with local battery

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 DEPHY INC

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.