Exoskeleton Frame Weight Distribution for Heavy Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable protective garments, such as heavy body armor and safety gear, cause fatigue, poor posture, and skin irritation due to the weight applied directly on the shoulders and spine, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeleton frame with a frame body comprising a front torso member, back torso member, first and second shoulder bands, and an adjustable belt that directs the weight of the apparel to a weight-bearing area between the knees and abdomen, thereby reducing the load on the shoulders and spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heavy protective apparel is worn directly on the body, then protection is provided, but weight and pressure are applied to the shoulders and spine causing fatigue and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton frame serves as an intermediary structure between the heavy protective apparel and the user's body. The frame distributes the weight of the apparel across multiple contact points including the shoulders, back, and waist, preventing concentrated pressure on any single area while maintaining the protective function of the gear
2Reliability
If heavy protective apparel is worn, then protection is provided, but fatigue and poor posture occur leading to decreased productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton frame divides the weight-bearing function into multiple segments: shoulder bands for upper body support, back panels for spinal protection, and waist belts for lower body weight distribution. This segmentation allows the heavy apparel to be supported without compromising the user's ability to perform tasks
3Reliability
If heavy protective apparel is worn, then protection is provided, but skin irritation and overheating occur
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton frame acts as a spacing intermediary between the protective apparel and the user's skin. By creating gaps and air circulation channels through the frame structure, it allows heat and moisture to escape while still providing the necessary protective coverage, thereby reducing skin irritation and overheating
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton frame having a frame body that includes a front torso member and a back torso member. The frame body further includes a first shoulder band and a second shoulder band each extending from the front torso member to the back torso member, and an opening positioned between the first shoulder band and second shoulder band. The exoskeleton frame further has an adjustable belt removably attached to the front torso and back torso member that is configured to direct a weight of apparel that is worn by the user over the exoskeleton frame to a weight-bearing area of the user located between knees and abdomen of the user, wherein the first shoulder band and second shoulder band are configured to support the weight of the apparel such that the weight of the apparel is not applied to a first shoulder or a second shoulder of the user.