Exoskeleton Leg Actuator Interface for Adaptive Assistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton systems lack efficient integration of input and feedback mechanisms for real-time user interaction and adaptive assistance, limiting their effectiveness in enhancing mobility and preventing injuries.
Innovation Solution
An exoskeleton system with integrated leg actuator units featuring adjustable fluidic actuators, interactive software for input and feedback, and a mobile power source that allows real-time control and assistance based on user intent recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exoskeleton systems use traditional control mechanisms, then system simplicity is maintained, but real-time user interaction and adaptive assistance effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input mechanisms (buttons, switches, sensors) and feedback mechanisms (visual, auditory, haptic) into an integrated user interface system. This merging allows real-time bidirectional communication between user and exoskeleton, enabling adaptive assistance that responds to user intent while maintaining coordinated control across multiple system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface is designed with multi-functional input elements that can serve multiple purposes. For example, buttons can trigger different commands based on context, and feedback channels can convey various types of information (status, warnings, confirmation) through the same physical interface, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If exoskeleton systems provide real-time adaptive assistance, then user mobility enhancement is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton system incorporates self-adjusting capabilities through automated intent recognition algorithms that process sensor data and determine appropriate assistance levels without constant user input. The system serves itself by automatically calibrating to user needs, reducing the operational burden on users while providing adaptive mobility enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple feedback mechanisms continuously monitor system performance and user response, creating closed-loop control that automatically adjusts assistance parameters. Visual, auditory, and haptic feedback provide real-time information about system state and user intent, enabling the complex control system to operate smoothly and enhance mobility without requiring simplified architecture.
3Ease of operation
If exoskeleton systems integrate multiple feedback mechanisms, then user interaction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface dynamically adapts its feedback mechanisms based on current operational context and user preferences. The system can emphasize certain feedback modalities (visual, auditory, haptic) over others depending on the situation, allowing multiple feedback mechanisms to work together efficiently without requiring all components to be active simultaneously, thus managing complexity while maintaining interaction effectiveness.
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 user mobility and reduces injury risk by providing real-time adaptive assistance through integrated input and feedback mechanisms, enabling efficient torque application and user-specific control.
Implementation Method 1
introducing fluid to the fluidic actuator of the actuator unit to generate the second configuration state by causing the one fluidic actuator to apply force at the actuator unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An exoskeleton system comprising at least one leg actuator unit configured to be coupled to leg of a user, the leg actuator unit including: an upper arm and a lower arm that are rotatably coupled via a joint, the joint positioned at a knee of the user with the upper arm coupled about an upper leg portion of the user above the knee and with the lower arm coupled about a lower leg portion of the user below the knee, a leg-actuator-unit user interface comprising a plurality of input and feedback elements, and an actuator that extends between the upper arm and lower arms.