Exoskeleton Boot with Integrated Connection Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exoskeletons face difficulties in detecting discrete foot movements due to inadequate rigidity in the connection between the user's feet and the exoskeleton lower links, leading to discomfort and potential injury from 'flat-footed' steps and pressure points.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeleton boot with a structurally coupled exoskeleton connection interface that can switch between locked and unlocked modes, allowing direct coupling and decoupling from the exoskeleton link, providing improved rigidity and support while allowing normal boot usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional straps or clasping mechanisms are used to secure the shoe to the exoskeleton lower link, then the exoskeleton can be worn and operated, but the connection rigidity is insufficient leading to inability to detect discrete foot movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shoe and the connection interface into a single integrated exoskeleton boot structure. The boot includes an upper portion that receives the user's foot and an outsole with an exoskeleton connection interface structurally coupled to it, eliminating the need for separate intermediate support members and achieving reliable rigid connection while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton boot serves multiple functions: it acts as both footwear for the user and as the rigid connection interface to the exoskeleton lower link. The boot's outsole integrates the connection interface that directly couples to the lower link, combining the functions of shoe and structural connector into a single universal component.
2Reliability
If a slim foot brace is used to connect to the user's foot within a shoe, then the connection rigidity is improved, but it creates pressure points and discomfort on the user's foot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective footwear function with the rigid connection function into a single exoskeleton boot structure. The boot's upper portion provides comfortable foot accommodation while the outsole with integrated connection interface provides rigid structural connection, eliminating the need for separate foot braces that create pressure points.
3Ease of operation
If the exoskeleton boot is directly coupled to the exoskeleton lower link, then the user can move and balance more easily with direct load support, but the connection interface must be sufficiently rigid to transfer exoskeleton loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load-bearing structural functions into the boot itself. The outsole is designed with an exoskeleton connection interface that directly couples to the lower link, and the boot's structural elements (including the rigid heel and quarter) are configured to transfer exoskeleton loads directly through the boot to the support surface, providing both ease of operation and sufficient strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton boot that can be selectively coupled to and decoupled from a lower link of an exoskeleton includes an upper configured to receive a foot of a human user and an outsole coupled to the upper. An exoskeleton connection interface is structurally coupled to the outsole and has a locked mode and an unlocked mode. In the locked mode, the exoskeleton connection interface is configured to inhibit decoupling from a boot connection interface of an exoskeleton link. In the unlocked mode, the exoskeleton connection interface is configured to facilitate decoupling from the boot connection interface.