Fluidic Knee Actuator Unit for Adjustable Ski Exoskeleton Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton technologies are not designed for recreational activities such as skiing, lacking integration of real-time control and torque assistance for the knee joint, and there is a need for a mobile, adjustable, and anatomically fitting exoskeleton system.
Innovation Solution
A leg brace with integrated actuation, a mobile power source, and a control unit that determines real-time output, incorporating a fluidic actuator with adjustable pressure and stroke length, and a modular design for both single or dual knee configurations, with couplers and joints that fit anatomically and allow for quick donning and do not require modifications to skiing gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluidic actuator with adjustable pressure and stroke length is integrated into the leg brace, then the torque assistance for the knee joint can be precisely controlled and adapted to varied terrain, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluidic actuator (pneumatic or hydraulic system) to provide adjustable torque assistance. The fluidic system allows real-time control of pressure and stroke length, enabling the exoskeleton to adapt to varied terrain conditions. This resolves the contradiction by using fluid dynamics to achieve adaptability while managing the complexity through established pneumatic/hydraulic principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton system incorporates real-time control capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of actuator parameters based on terrain conditions. The system can modify pressure and stroke length dynamically, transforming a static device into an adaptive one. This dynamic control mechanism addresses the adaptability requirement while the control system manages the complexity through algorithmic coordination.
2Ease of operation
If the exoskeleton system is designed with modular components for quick donning and anatomical fitting, then the ease of operation improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is divided into modular segments including a leg brace, actuator unit, couplers, and joints. Each component can be independently assembled and adjusted, enabling quick donning and anatomical fitting. The segmentation allows users to assemble the system rapidly while the modular architecture manages structural complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The couplers and joints are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that accommodate different anatomical configurations and skiing gear. The modular design enables the same components to serve multiple functions and fit various user anatomies, improving ease of operation while the standardized universal interfaces help manage the overall structural complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time control and torque assistance are integrated into the exoskeleton, then the skiing performance is enhanced, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic actuator system provides real-time torque assistance with relatively high power-to-weight ratio compared to traditional electric motors. The pneumatic/hydraulic system delivers the necessary force for skiing performance enhancement while minimizing weight, as the fluidic medium transmits force efficiently through compact channels and chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the fluidic medium (pressure, volume, temperature) to control actuator output. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves real-time torque modulation without requiring proportionally heavy mechanical components. The parameter-based control allows performance enhancement with optimized weight through efficient energy storage and transmission.
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 exoskeleton system provides enhanced skiing performance by assisting knee joint motion, is anatomically fitting, and can be easily donned without modifying skiing gear, offering adjustable assistance and real-time control for varied terrain.
Implementation Method 1
A bellows actuator extends between the upper arm and lower arm. One or more sets of pneumatic lines can be coupled to the bellows actuator to introduce and/or remove fluid from the bellows actuator to cause the bellows actuator to expand and contract
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton system having an actuator unit configured to be coupled to a leg of a user. The actuator unit includes 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 fluidic actuator that extends between the upper arm and lower arm; and one or more fluid lines coupled to the fluidic actuator to introduce fluid to the fluidic actuator that causes force to be applied to the upper arm and lower arm.