Exosuit Leg Grip Structure for Adjustable Thigh Fit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exosuits lack flexibility and adjustability to accommodate varying leg sizes and provide comfortable, efficient powered mobility assistance.

Innovation Solution

The exosuit design includes adjustable leg grips with mechanisms such as overlapping straps, inflatable sleeves, and tether systems to accommodate different leg dimensions, combined with a powered actuator system for enhanced mobility assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-size leg grips are used in exosuits, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the exosuit cannot accommodate varying leg sizes and reduces adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of varying leg sizesVSAvoidleg grip adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leg grip employs an inflatable bladder mechanism that dynamically adjusts its internal volume and pressure to accommodate different leg sizes. The bladder can be inflated or deflated in real-time, transforming the rigid structure into a dynamic, adaptable component that conforms to various leg dimensions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the leg grip's internal volume through inflation and deflation of the bladder. By controlling the air pressure and volume within the bladder, the leg grip can expand or contract to fit different leg sizes, providing adaptability through parameter modification rather than structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable leg grips with inflatable bladders are used, then adaptability to different leg sizes is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleg size accommodationVSAvoidleg grip assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The leg grip utilizes pneumatic inflation through a bladder system that can be filled or emptied with air. This pneumatic mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to adjust the leg grip size, avoiding complex mechanical assemblies while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standard inflatable component technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable bladder design serves multiple functions: it provides adaptability to different leg sizes, maintains structural support when inflated, and can be integrated with the exosuit's existing pneumatic or electronic control systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rigid leg grips are used, then structural support is provided, but comfort and adaptability to different leg shapes are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconformation to leg shapeVSAvoidleg grip structural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The leg grip incorporates a flexible bladder made of elastomeric material that can conform to various leg shapes while maintaining structural integrity when pressurized. The flexible shell adapts to the contours of different legs, providing both comfort through conformability and support through pneumatic pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The leg grip structure combines flexible elastomeric bladder material with rigid or semi-rigid external housing or mounting structures. This composite construction allows the internal bladder to conform to leg shapes for comfort and adaptability, while the external structure provides the necessary structural support and attachment points for the exosuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a comfortable and efficient means of accommodating various leg sizes while offering powered mobility assistance, enhancing user experience and functionality across diverse activities.

Implementation Method 1

adjustable leg grips with mechanisms such as overlapping straps, inflatable sleeves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInflation:

Data Source

PatentEP4681886A1exosuit
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 AMER SPORTS CANADA INC
  • EP4681886A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4681886A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4681886A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An exosuit comprising an exosuit garment having a waist opening, a first leg opening and a second leg opening. The exosuit garment comprises a first thigh portion and a second thigh portion. The exosuit garment comprises a thigh cuff carrier supported by the first thigh portion.