Exoskeleton Linking Assembly for Alternating Leg Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exoskeleton structures designed to alleviate the weight of backpacks on infantrymen compromise mobility due to bulkiness and interference with foot movement, as the load distribution does not effectively relieve the user's musculoskeletal strain.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device for an exoskeleton structure that includes a support fixed on a lumbar belt, input parts connected to a mechanical back assembly, and transmission devices with pulleys and cables to alternately transfer the load between mechanical leg assemblies, ensuring that the assembly not in contact with the ground is unloaded during the swing phase, thus maintaining mobility and distributing the load when standing still.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the load of the backpack rests on the lower parts of the exoskeleton extending along the user's legs to the ground, then the user is relieved of the backpack weight, but the user's foot movements during walking are interfered with and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton structure employs dynamic load transfer mechanisms where the load-bearing elements are selectively engaged or disengaged based on the gait phase. During walking, the system dynamically switches between load-bearing and non-load-bearing configurations, allowing foot movement freedom during swing phase while providing support during stance phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer mechanism operates periodically in sync with the user's walking cycle. The exoskeleton alternates between transferring load to the ground through the leg extensions during stance phase and releasing the load during swing phase, creating a rhythmic pattern that matches the natural gait cycle and maintains mobility.
2Weight of moving object
If exoskeleton structures extend along the user's legs to the ground to bear the load, then the backpack weight is supported, but the structure generates significant bulk and reduces user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is divided into modular segments that can be independently configured. The load-bearing leg extensions are segmented into collapsible sections that can be retracted or extended as needed, reducing overall bulk when full extension is not required while maintaining load-bearing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton employs nested structural elements where smaller components are housed within larger ones. The leg extensions feature telescopic sections and collapsible mechanisms that allow the structure to compact into a smaller volume when not in use, significantly reducing bulk while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
3Weight of moving object
If the load is continuously transferred to both leg assemblies, then the backpack weight is supported, but the leg assembly not in contact with the ground is unnecessarily loaded during swing phase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton system automatically detects the gait phase through sensors and autonomously adjusts the load distribution between the two leg assemblies. During swing phase, the system self-adjusts to unload the non-contacting leg, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing the energy required to lift the leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer mechanism incorporates feedback from ground contact sensors and inertial measurement units that monitor the user's gait cycle. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the load distribution in real-time, ensuring that the non-contacting leg is unloaded during swing phase and only the contacting leg bears the load during stance phase.
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 effectively relieves the user's musculoskeletal strain by transferring the backpack's weight to the mechanical leg assembly in contact with the ground during stance and distributing it evenly when both legs are in contact, enhancing mobility and reducing the effort required to lift legs during walking.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission device, a first connecting rod mounted rotatably relative to the support, the first connecting rod having a first end connected to the input piece via the transmission device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a linking device (7) for an exoskeleton structure, comprising an input piece (72) rotatably mounted relative to a support (71), and a transmission device (73) arranged such that: when a load is applied to the input piece (72) that tends to pivot the input piece (72) in a first direction of rotation (D), the transmission device transmits a force to a first connecting link (74) that tends to pivot the first connecting link (74) so as to transfer the load to a first mechanical leg assembly (3) and to remove the load from the second mechanical leg assembly (5) of the exoskeleton structure; and when a load is applied to the input piece (72) that tends to pivot the input piece (72) in a second direction of rotation (E), opposite the first, the transmission device (73) transmits a force to a second connecting link (75) that tends to pivot the second connecting link (75) so as to transfer the load to a second mechanical leg assembly (5) and to remove the load from the first mechanical leg assembly (3) of the exoskeleton structure.