Neck Exoskeleton Threshold Engagement for Extension Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupational tasks that involve neck extension, such as welding or surgery, lead to strain and overexertion injuries due to prolonged or repeated motion, as existing support devices fail to provide adequate support without restricting movement or causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A neck supporting exoskeleton that includes a torso frame, a head pillow, and a resilient structure or actuator system allowing for relative motion between the head pillow and torso frame, providing support only when the neck extension angle exceeds a certain threshold, thus reducing muscle fatigue and allowing uninhibited motion in other postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a neck supporting device is engaged to provide support during extension motions, then head support and fatigue reduction are improved, but movement restriction and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a dynamic engagement mechanism where the head pillow and resilient structure only engage with the user's head when neck extension exceeds a threshold angle. This allows the device to transition between engaged and disengaged states, providing support only when needed during extreme extension motions while allowing full freedom of movement during normal activities and other postures.
2Reliability
If a neck supporting device provides support at multiple head positions, then compensation for gravitational forces is improved, but device complexity and contact friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a resilient structure that acts as a mechanical counterweight system, generating a supporting force that counteracts the gravitational force on the head during extension motions. The force is applied through a linkage mechanism that translates head extension motion into a counterbalancing force, effectively compensating for gravity without requiring complex active control systems or multiple contact points.
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 neck supporting exoskeleton effectively counters the weight of the head during extension motions, reducing fatigue and discomfort while allowing full range of motion in neutral and other postures, and is compatible with various PPE and human dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient structure coupled to the torso frame from its first end and to the head pillow from its second end, the resilient structure configured to generate a force onto the head pillow in response to extension motion of the head pillow relative to the torso frame
Data Source
AI summary
A neck supporting exoskeleton is configured to be worn by a person to support the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck. The neck supporting exoskeleton may comprise a torso frame configured to be coupled to the person's torso, a head pillow configured to contact the rear portion of the person's head during backward extension motions of the person's neck, a linkage allowing for relative motion between the head pillow and the torso frame in the sagittal plane of the person, and an actuator configured to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow. When the person's neck extension angle increases beyond an engagement angle, the actuator causes the linkage to impose a supporting force onto the head pillow resisting the backward extension motion of the head pillow and the person's head relative to the torso frame thereby providing a support for the person's head.