Wearable Exoskeleton Power Pack With Unified Fluidic Cable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable robotic systems face challenges in efficiently providing operational power and fluid supply to integrated actuators, while ensuring secure and comfortable fit on the user, and effective communication between components.
Innovation Solution
A wearable robotic system with a power pack or exoskeleton device integrated into a torso-worn pack, connected to leg braces via power and fluidic cables, which includes a unified cable assembly for power, communication, and fluid transmission, and adjustable actuators for joint assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used for power, communication, and fluid transmission, then each connection can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and number of connection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission, communication signals, and fluid transmission into a single unified cable assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate cables and connection points, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable transmission of all necessary signals and fluids between the power pack and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified cable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electrical power, carries communication signals, and conveys fluid flow. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, reducing system complexity while ensuring all connections remain reliable.
2Reliability
If a secure fit is ensured through rigid constraints, then the device remains stable on the user, but comfort and ease of wear decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable actuators that can dynamically adapt to different user positions and movements. These actuators maintain secure connection and stability while allowing for movement and adjustment, balancing the need for reliability with comfort and ease of wear during various activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable actuators can change their mechanical parameters (such as tension, position, and constraint level) based on user needs and movement. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures the device remains stable and secure while adapting to different wear conditions and user preferences, maintaining both reliability and comfort.
3Power
If actuators are made more powerful for enhanced joint assistance, then the robotic functionality improves, but the weight and size of the power pack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source and battery from the actuator units and consolidates it into a single power pack. This allows the actuators to be lighter and more powerful without the weight penalty of onboard power sources, as the power pack can be optimized independently for maximum power density while the actuators focus on providing the necessary mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission is moved from a distributed architecture (power sources at each actuator) to a centralized architecture (single power pack). This dimensional change in power distribution allows actuators to be more powerful and lightweight, as the power delivery infrastructure is consolidated rather than replicated at each actuator location.
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton system comprising at least one actuator unit that includes a fluidic actuator; an exoskeleton device including a fluidic system, and electronics; and a first cable extending from the exoskeleton device to the at least one actuator unit.