Passive Exoskeleton Triangular Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeleton devices for assisting operators with horizontal efforts are not robust enough for outdoor and on-site work, and are often too complex and costly, failing to effectively alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue associated with repetitive tasks that require significant force and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two legs coupled to the feet, a connecting member forming a triangle with the tool holder arm, which transfers forces directly to the ground, bypassing the operator's body, and incorporates actuating means controlled by user intention detection to amplify effort and facilitate balance, while being compact and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If sophisticated exoskeleton systems with actuating systems, direction sensors and calculation means are used, then the mechanical assistance capability is improved, but the device complexity increases and robustness for outdoor work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex actuating systems, direction sensors, and calculation means from the exoskeleton device, retaining only the essential passive mechanical structure. This extraction resolves the contradiction by eliminating complexity while preserving the core mechanical assistance function through passive mechanics rather than active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton is designed to provide mechanical assistance through its passive triangular structure without requiring external power sources, sensors, or control systems. The device serves itself by utilizing the operator's movements and the inherent mechanical properties of the triangular configuration to provide assistance, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining power assistance capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the exoskeleton structure is simplified to reduce complexity and cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to effectively alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is segmented into three distinct functional components: two legs coupled to the feet, a connecting member forming the triangle apex, and a tool holder arm. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes while the overall triangular configuration provides the mechanical advantage needed to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders through force redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex active systems to provide assistance, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive mechanical structure that redistributes forces through its triangular geometry. This inversion simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effectiveness by leveraging mechanical principles rather than complex control systems.
3Force
If a triangular configuration with force convergence at the apex is used, then the force transfer efficiency to ground is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force application point (tool holder arm), the structural support (two legs), and the ground reaction forces into a single triangular configuration where all forces converge at the connecting member apex. This merging creates an integrated force transfer path that improves efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity through the unified triangular geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an exoskeleton device comprising two legs (2, 3) arranged to be coupled to the feet of a user, a connecting member (4) between the upper ends of the legs to which it is articulated and a tool-carrying arm (5) connected to the connecting member. The arm (5) is mounted sliding on the connecting member (4). The device comprises means (71) for actuating the arms, depending on the movements of the user, in order to ensure movement of same in straight line travel.