Portable Exoskeleton Winch Load Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load lifting systems either require significant sensing and actuation for comfort, are limited to specific regions due to fixed infrastructure, or restrict the range of motion, leading to muscular-skeletal stress and inefficiency in carrying heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
Portable load lifting systems with powered assisted straps or cables coupled to end-effectors that can be worn like an exoskeleton or used as a backpack, allowing for flexible and efficient lifting and carrying of heavy loads, including structures that enable raising loads to shoulder height and beyond, with force sensors for precise control and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed load attachment is used to support the load, then the load can be supported, but the load cannot be raised or lowered from the fixed attachment point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed attachment point into a dynamic system by incorporating a winch mechanism with cable that can actively raise and lower the load. The winch motor dynamically adjusts cable length, allowing the load to move vertically while being supported, thus resolving the contradiction between load support and height adjustment capability
2Ease of operation
If an exoskeleton with fully articulated arms is used, then upper body lift assist is provided, but significant sensing and actuation are required to track the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex sensing and actuation requirements by replacing fully articulated arms with a simplified cable-suspended mechanism. The load support function is separated from user body tracking, allowing the system to provide lift assist through cable tension control without requiring complex sensors to monitor user arm position and motion
3Strength
If a fixed overhead gantry is used for load assist, then the lift assist mechanism is permanently attached, but the system is limited to use within a limited region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixed gantry structure into a portable, modular system. Instead of a permanent overhead installation, the support structure is divided into discrete components (frame, winch mechanism, cable system) that can be assembled and disassembled, enabling the system to be relocated to different work areas while maintaining structural support capability
4Productivity
If heavy loads are carried by the user, then the load can be transported, but muscular-skeletal stress increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using a winch mechanism to provide upward tension force on the load through the cable. This tension force counteracts the gravitational force on the load, reducing the net downward force that the user must support, thereby enabling heavy load transport while minimizing muscular-skeletal stress
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable load lifting assist system (100) includes a movable support structure including an exoskeleton torso (160) including an exoskeleton trunk (109) that is configured to be coupled to a person's upper body, and a load lifting mechanism (221) secured to the movable support structure including a winch (229) having a motor driven reel mechanism for reeling first and second lifting straps or cables (222) that are secured to first and second end effectors (223). First and second handles (224) are attached to an outside surface of the first and second end effectors, wherein the lifting straps or cables when driven by the winch lift a load contacted by the first and second end effectors. A lower extremity exoskeleton (120) is configured to be coupled to a person's lower limbs. The exoskeleton trunk couples to the person's upper body through an upper body interface device (150(a)) that is coupled to the lower extremity exoskeleton.