Modular Energy Transfer Between Exoskeleton and Mobile Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exoskeletons face limitations in range and operating time due to limited power capacity, and transporting additional energy modules is cumbersome and inefficient, especially when combined with a wheeled base, which also poses challenges in balancing weight and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A mobility system that includes an exoskeleton and a mobile base with integrated energy module receptacles, allowing for automated transfer and sharing of energy modules between the exoskeleton and the mobile base, enabling extended operation and efficient power management through external charging and power sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If additional energy modules are added to extend operating time, then duration of action is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple separate energy modules that can be independently attached to or removed from the exoskeleton. This allows the user to carry only the necessary amount of energy for each task, extending operating time without permanently increasing the base weight of the exoskeleton.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy module configuration is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing users to add or remove modules based on real-time power requirements. This enables the exoskeleton to adapt its weight and operating duration to match specific task demands, rather than being fixed at a constant weight.
2Power
If more power capacity is provided, then power is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power capacity is segmented into multiple modular energy units that can be independently configured. Users can attach the exact number of modules needed for each power requirement, avoiding the penalty of carrying excessive weight when full power capacity is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy modules serve multiple functions: they provide power to the exoskeleton, can be independently replaced, and can be configured in different quantities based on task requirements. This universal design allows the same module to serve various power needs without requiring different hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy modules are transported externally, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional components (exoskeleton body, energy modules, attachment mechanisms) that can be independently managed. This modular approach simplifies the overall complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining adaptability through various combinations.
4Ease of operation
If automated transfer mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transfer mechanism enables the system to service itself by automatically attaching and detaching energy modules based on detected power levels. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while keeping the control system relatively simple, as the automation handles the complex coordination without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobility system includes an energy module, an exoskeleton and a mobile base. The exoskeleton has an exoskeleton energy module receptacle that can receive the energy module, and the mobile base has a mobile base energy module receptacle that can also receive the energy module. In addition, the mobile base has an exoskeleton support that can support the exoskeleton on the mobile base so that the mobile base can transport the exoskeleton across a support surface.