Exoskeleton Tool Support via Counterbalancing Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletons lack the ability to effectively support the weight of heavy tools and improve the strength and stamina of wearers during tool-using tasks, limiting their ability to use large or heavy tools without assistance and compromising balance and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
The development of exoskeleton devices with tool-holding arms and counterbalancing structures that transfer the weight of tools onto the exoskeleton frame, allowing for improved balance and enabling the use of heavy tools by distributing the weight through the exoskeleton's structure, while also providing power support and adjustable tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wearer uses heavy tools directly with their own strength, then the tool can be operated, but the wearer experiences fatigue and increased injury risk due to the weight burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an exoskeleton device as an intermediary between the wearer and the heavy tool. The exoskeleton includes support structures that transfer tool weight from the wearer's limbs to the ground through the exoskeleton frame, reducing the harmful effect of tool weight on the wearer while enabling tool operation
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton employs counterbalancing mechanisms including springs, dampers, and counterweights that generate forces opposing the gravitational force on the tool. This counteracts the tool weight, reducing the effort required by the wearer and minimizing fatigue and injury risk
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the exoskeleton supports the weight of heavy tools, then wearer fatigue is reduced, but the exoskeleton structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is divided into modular components including support structures, counterbalancing mechanisms, and tool-holding structures that can function independently. This segmentation allows the complex weight support function to be distributed across multiple simpler subsystems, managing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton structure is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting tool weight, providing counterbalancing forces, and enabling tool manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing structural complexity while achieving fatigue reduction
3Duration of action of moving object
If the exoskeleton transfers tool weight through the legs, then upper body fatigue is reduced, but balance and weight distribution become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton dynamically adjusts parameters such as spring stiffness, damper damping coefficients, and counterweight positions to optimize weight distribution and maintain balance. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt to different tool weights and wearer characteristics, preventing balance compromise while enabling extended tool use
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton incorporates sensors that detect wearer posture, tool position, and ground reaction forces, feeding this information back to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to counterbalancing forces and weight distribution, maintaining wearer balance during extended tool use operations
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
Enhances the wearer's ability to use heavy tools for extended periods with reduced fatigue and injury risk, improving balance and productivity by distributing the tool's weight and providing power support directly through the exoskeleton frame.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to the tool-holding arm and the exoskeleton frame
Implementation Method 2
a damper connected to the tool-holding arm and the exoskeleton frame
Implementation Method 3
a counterweight to offset the weight of the tool-holding arm
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton includes strapping for coupling the exoskeleton to a wearer. The exoskeleton also includes a hip structure, a thigh link rotatably connected to the hip structure and a shank link rotatably connected to the thigh link. The weight of the exoskeleton is transferred to a surface on which the exoskeleton is standing through the hip structure, the thigh link and the shank link. An arm brace supports an arm of the wearer, and a telescopic link is rotatably connected to the arm brace. An energy storage device delivers power to a tool through a conduit, and a conduit-energy storage device coupling connects the conduit to the energy storage device.