Modular Wearable Exoskeleton Core Unit for Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable exoskeletons are costly, restrictive, and not available in all sizes, hindering movement and posture flexibility while straining the musculoskeletal system during load-bearing tasks, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution that can be adapted for various tasks.
Innovation Solution
A wearable apparatus comprising a core unit with a modular support structure, including a vest or belt with adjustable interfaces for attaching modular support modules, allowing for flexible and detachable rod and support configurations, enabling optimal positioning and easy task adaptation without the limitations of traditional exoskeletons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional exoskeletons are used to support the body during load-bearing tasks, then the musculoskeletal system is protected from strain, but the human's movement freedom and ability to reach certain postures are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components: a core unit with vest/belt that provides the supporting function, and separate detachable support structures ( rods, support modules) that can be configured as needed. This segmentation allows the support function to be activated only when required, rather than continuously constraining the user as a traditional exoskeleton would.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-structure exoskeleton to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The support structures can be attached and detached based on task requirements, and the core unit can be adjusted to different configurations. This dynamic approach allows the user to have full movement freedom when support is not needed, while still providing protection when loads are present.
2Reliability
If customized exoskeletons are provided for different tasks and sizes, then the support function is optimized for specific uses, but the costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The core unit is designed as a universal base that can support multiple different support structures for various tasks. The same core unit can be used with different rods, support modules, and configurations depending on the specific load-bearing task. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate customized exoskeletons for each task, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining optimized support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing different physical exoskeletons for different sizes and tasks, the system allows parameter changes through reconfiguration. The core unit can be adjusted in size and configuration, and different support structures can be attached to match specific task requirements. This parametric approach replaces costly customized manufacturing with flexible reconfiguration of standardized components.
3Reliability
If a full exoskeleton is worn to provide continuous support, then maximum protection is achieved, but the time required to put on and take off the equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a permanent core unit (vest/belt) that remains worn during tasks, and separate support structures that are attached only when needed. This eliminates the time-consuming process of putting on and taking off a complete exoskeleton, as the core unit is already in place and support structures can be quickly attached or left detached based on task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than requiring the complete exoskeleton to be worn for all tasks, the system applies partial action by attaching only the necessary support structures for each specific task. This reduces setup time while still providing the required level of protection for load-bearing activities, avoiding the excessive action of donning a full exoskeleton for every task regardless of need.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exoskeletons of various sizes are provisioned for different tasks, then task-specific optimization is achieved, but the overall costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single core unit serves multiple functions by supporting different support structures for various tasks. This universal base eliminates the need to manage multiple separate exoskeletons of different sizes, reducing system management complexity while maintaining task-specific optimization through reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves task-specific optimization through parameter changes in configuration rather than through multiple physical systems. The same core unit can be reconfigured with different support structures to optimize for different tasks and user sizes, simplifying inventory and management compared to provisioning multiple specialized exoskeletons.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A wearable apparatus (100) for assisting a human (1000) when performing a load-involved task is disclosed. The wearable apparatus (100) comprises a core unit (200) and a modular support structure (300). The core unit includes a vest (210) and/or belt (215) wearable on a torso, shoulder and/or hip of the human (1000), and at least one first interface (220) fixed to the vest (210) and/or belt (215). The modular support structure (300) includes a second interface (310) configured to be detachably connected to the first interface (210, 215), the second interface (310) including at least one receiving section (315), at least one rod (320) configured to be detachably coupled to the receiving section (315), and at least one support module (330) coupled to one of the at least one rod (320) and configured to support a limb (1010) of the human (1000) and/or a tool (1050) employed for the task.