Inflatable Exosuit Leg Grip for Secure Fit Without Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exosuits lack flexibility and adjustability to accommodate different leg dimensions 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 fit various leg sizes, combined with an electrically powered actuator for enhanced mobility assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-size leg grips are used in exosuits, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but the exosuit cannot accommodate different leg dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The leg grip employs an inflatable bladder structure that can dynamically change its internal volume and circumference. By controlling the inflation pressure of the bladder, the leg grip can adapt to different leg sizes and dimensions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the leg grip's circumference and cross-sectional area by adjusting the inflation pressure of the bladder. This allows the same leg grip structure to accommodate multiple leg sizes by simply changing the inflation level, rather than制造 multiple fixed-size grips.
2Reliability
If tight leg grips are used to ensure secure attachment, then attachment reliability improves, but user comfort deteriorates due to constriction
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder is positioned to contact specific local areas of the leg (such as the calf or thigh) to provide secure attachment, while the rest of the leg grip structure remains loose and non-constricting. This localized inflation ensures reliability only where needed, avoiding unnecessary constriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation of the bladder to create a compliant, pressure-distributing attachment mechanism. The inflatable structure naturally distributes pressure over a larger area compared to rigid straps, reducing peak pressure points and improving comfort while maintaining secure attachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If loose leg grips are used to improve comfort, then user comfort improves, but attachment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg grip transitions from a static loose structure to a dynamically adjustable structure through inflation. When comfort is prioritized, the bladder remains deflated or partially inflated; when security is needed, the bladder inflates to tighten the grip, providing dynamic adaptation to different operational requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-size leg grips are manufactured to accommodate different users, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal leg grip structure with an inflatable bladder that can serve multiple size requirements with a single design. This single structure performs the function of multiple fixed-size grips by adjusting its inflation level, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple size variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg grip is segmented into a flexible outer shell and an inflatable bladder component. This segmentation allows the bladder to expand and contract independently, enabling size adjustment without redesigning the entire structure, thus simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.
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 effective fit for diverse leg dimensions, allowing efficient powered mobility assistance without constriction or discomfort, suitable for outdoor activities, sports, and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable sleeve configured to selectively expand or contract to adjust the internal diameter of the leg grip
Data Source
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AI summary
An exosuit leg grip comprising a leg grip configured to be wrapped at least partially about a leg of a person. The leg grip is adjustable between a leg insertion state having a first internal diameter to facilitate passage of a leg therethrough without any stretching of the leg grip during passage and a leg gripping state having a second internal diameter less than the first internal diameter to facilitate gripping of a leg. The exosuit leg grip comprises a leg link connection interface supported by the leg grip.