Exoskeleton Elastic Compensation Mechanism for Mass Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton technologies are cumbersome, costly, and heavy due to their large mass and need for energy sources, while also compromising on ergonomics and freedom of movement, failing to simultaneously meet criteria of reduced mass, cost, and size with long service life.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeleton design featuring a self-powered elastic element that stores energy through limb movement, providing a compensation force moment varying with arm inclination, using a tension-loaded force transmission element and a compensation member secured by pivots, allowing for a compact, lightweight, and ergonomic structure with adjustable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If robotic systems with actuators are used, then the exoskeleton can provide active assistance, but the mass and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heavy robotic actuators, energy sources, and control systems from the exoskeleton, retaining only the essential passive mechanical structures (arm, compensation member, pivots, elastic element, force transmission element) needed to provide assistance through user-driven motion
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton is designed to be self-powered through the user's own limb movements, which deform the elastic element to store energy that is then released to assist the user, eliminating the need for external energy sources and active control systems
2Force
If purely mechanical systems with many elements are used, then the exoskeleton can provide support, but the freedom of movement and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is divided into functional segments (arm, compensation member, pivots, elastic element, force transmission element) that can move independently, allowing the structure to adapt to the user's natural arm movements while providing targeted support where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton employs dynamic elements including pivots that allow rotational movement, an elastic element that deforms to store and release energy, and a force transmission element that transmits forces dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to varying user movements and provide assistance that moves with the user rather than restricting motion
3Weight of moving object
If the exoskeleton structure is optimized for reduced mass, then the strength and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the arm is made of composite material, which provides high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving both reduced mass and maintained structural strength simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton utilizes the elastic properties of the elastic element, changing from rigid structural support to flexible energy storage and release, allowing the system to withstand forces through deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing peak stresses on structural components
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 exoskeleton achieves reduced mass and size, increased longevity, and improved ergonomics by using composite materials and a self-stressed structure, providing progressive support that relieves the user's effort effectively, especially in working positions, while maintaining comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the system being self-powered by storing the energy supplied from outside the system in the form of elastic energy, the storage being performed by the deformation of elastic elements during the movement of the limbs of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
the at least one elastic element and said force transmission element being continuously loaded in tension during use of the exoskeleton
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton comprising: —an arm comprising a means for attaching an upper limb, —a load-bearing structure comprising a support point, —a compensation member secured to said arm by a first pivot, extending between said arm and said load-bearing structure and exerting a compensation force moment on said arm by deformation of an elastic element, —a force transmission element extending between a lower point of the compensation member and a rear end of the arm, —the elastic element and said force transmission element being loaded in tension when using the exoskeleton, so that the moment varies with the inclination of the arm, —said transmission element is secured to the arm by a second pivot, the first pivot being located between the second pivot and the front end of the arm.