Exoskeleton Human Interface Frame for Breathable Lumbar Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human interface devices for carrying loads, such as tool belts and exoskeletons, often cause discomfort and fatigue due to inadequate conformance to the body shape and heat buildup, and they do not effectively support healthy posture.
Innovation Solution
A human interface device with a breathable frame and support fabric that closely conforms to the body in the lumbar and sacral area, using a belt to secure the fabric against the lower back, thereby distributing the load through friction forces and maintaining the natural lordotic curve of the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional human interface devices (tool belts, exoskeletons, loaded backpacks) are used to carry loads, then load carrying capability is achieved, but comfort deteriorates due to inadequate conformance to body shape and heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is curved to conform to the natural lordotic curve of the lower back, maximizing contact area between the support fabric and the person's back. This curved geometry allows the device to distribute load more effectively across the back surface while maintaining comfort during standing and walking activities.
Solution Approach 2:
A support fabric is coupled to the frame to provide conformable contact with the person's back. The fabric acts as a flexible interface that distributes pressure evenly across the contact area, preventing heat buildup and improving comfort compared to rigid conventional devices.
2Ease of operation
If load is carried on the body using conventional devices, then load carrying is achieved, but posture deteriorates due to lack of spinal support
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is specifically curved to match the lordotic curve of the lower back, providing structural support that maintains healthy spinal posture. This curvature allows the device to support the natural arch of the back while distributing load forces, preventing posture deterioration during prolonged standing or walking.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides counterbalancing support to the load carried on the back. By positioning the frame and support fabric to contact the lower back, the device creates a counterweight effect that offsets the gravitational force of the carried load, reducing the net force affecting spinal posture.
3Ease of operation
If conventional devices are used to carry loads, then load distribution is achieved, but thermal comfort deteriorates due to lack of airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The support fabric provides a breathable interface between the frame and the person's back. This flexible fabric layer allows for air circulation while maintaining adequate contact area for load distribution, preventing heat buildup that occurs with rigid conventional devices.
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 device provides comfort by maximizing contact area and minimizing contact pressure, while promoting healthy posture by distributing the load effectively and maintaining the natural spinal curve, thus reducing fatigue and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back
Implementation Method 2
the fabric imposes normal contact forces on the person's lower back to maintain the lower back lordotic curve of the person's spine in its natural form
Data Source
AI summary
A human interface device is configured to be coupled to a trunk of a person and comprises a frame, a fabric coupled to said frame configurable to be under tensile forces, and a belt configured to be coupled to two side edges of said frame wherein when said belt is worn by said person, an area of said fabric will be pushed against the person's lower back conforming to the shape of the lower back of said person. In operation when said human interface device is worn by said person, the weight of any load coupled to or supported by said frame will be partially supported by the friction force between the area of said fabric which is pushed against the person's lower back, and the person's lower back allowing said person to carry said load.