Upper-Extremity Exoskeleton Support With Dual-Mode Spring Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exoskeletons for providing support to upper extremities are complex, prone to dirt and dust ingress, and heavy, making them unsuitable for construction sites, where they are needed to mitigate the health risks of overhead work.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a single spring element and a force transmission element, connected via a swivel joint and a connecting element, allowing operation in two modes by reconfiguring the attachment points of the force transmission element, thereby providing different support forces without the need for multiple spring elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spring elements with different rigidities are used to provide different support forces in different operating states, then the exoskeleton can operate in multiple modes, but the structure becomes complex and susceptible to dirt and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring elements into a single integrated spring element that provides different support forces in different operating states. Instead of using separate spring elements with different rigidities, the invention merges their functions into one spring element that works in conjunction with a force transmission element to achieve variable support characteristics across two operating states.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spring element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides support force in both operating states and works with the force transmission element to enable mode switching. The force transmission element acts as a universal component that can be configured in different ways (attached to first or second suspension point) to achieve different operating modes, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spring elements are used to provide different support forces, then different operating states are enabled, but the exoskeleton becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spring elements into a single spring element to reduce the overall weight of the exoskeleton. By consolidating the support function into one spring element rather than using several separate springs, the total mass of the system is reduced while maintaining the capability to provide different support forces in different operating states through the interaction with the force transmission element.
3Reliability
If a robust structure is used to resist dust and moisture, then reliability improves, but the device becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-spring mechanism from the design and replaces it with a simpler single spring element combined with a force transmission element. This extraction of the problematic complex mechanism reduces susceptibility to dirt and dust ingress while maintaining the dual operating state capability, thereby improving reliability without adding protective complexity.
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 solution simplifies the exoskeleton structure, makes it more robust and less susceptible to dust and moisture, while being lighter and easier to handle, effectively reducing worker fatigue and health risks during physically demanding tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (7) which interacts with a connecting element (8) and a force transmission element (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for providing a supporting force for the upper extremities (2) of a user (3). The supporting force is provided in a first mode and in a second mode. The device (1) comprises a supporting device (4) and an arm brace (5), which are interconnected by means of a rotary joint (6) in such a way that the arm brace (5) is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the supporting device (4). The device (1) comprises a spring element (7) for providing the supporting force. The spring element (7) is arranged between the supporting device (4) and a connecting element (8). The device (1) comprises a force transmission element (9), which has a first end (10) and a second end (11) and which can be led around the connecting element (8). The ends (10, 11) of the force transmission element (9) can be attached to a first suspension point (12) on the supporting device (4) and to a second suspension point (13) on the arm brace (5). In the first mode, the first end (10) of the force transmission element (9) is attached to the first suspension point (12) and a second end (11) of the force transmission element (9) is attached to the second suspension point (13). In the second mode, the first end (10) and the second end (11) of the force transmission element (9) are attached to the second suspension point (13). The present invention further relates to an exoskeleton, comprising at least one device of this type.