Adjustable Passive Exoskeleton With Polycentric Knee Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletons face challenges in ensuring ergonomic fit, efficient load transfer to the ground, and comfort while accommodating various user sizes and conditions, often requiring energy sources and frequent maintenance, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A passive exoskeleton with adjustable, modular modules including a hip, leg, and foot structure, utilizing polycentric linkage mechanisms and potential energy storage elements, allowing for ergonomic movement and silent operation without additional energy sources, and adaptable to different user anatomies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-axis hinge joint is used at the knee section, then the structure is simple, but it does not accurately mimic the movement of the knee and causes ergonomic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polycentric linkage mechanism that dynamically adjusts the axis of rotation to match the natural movement of the knee joint during flexion and extension. This dynamic adaptation allows the exoskeleton to accurately follow anatomical knee motion patterns, resolving the ergonomic problems caused by fixed-axis joints while maintaining structural feasibility through the linkage design.
2Power
If an active exoskeleton with actuators is used, then it can augment human power, but it requires energy sources and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive mechanical elements including springs and dampers that automatically store and release energy during human motion cycles. The springs store potential energy during loading phases and release it during unloading phases, while dampers dissipate excess energy, creating a self-regulating system that augments power without requiring external energy sources or complex actuator controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the exoskeleton is made to fit different size users, then it is more versatile, but it becomes harder to ensure close fit and proper load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exoskeleton into modular segments with adjustable connection points and configurable linkage lengths. This segmentation allows each module to be independently adjusted to match user-specific anatomy, ensuring that the load transfer path aligns with individual biomechanical characteristics while maintaining overall system versatility across different user sizes.
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 exoskeleton effectively reduces musculoskeletal load and discomfort, enabling long-distance weight carrying with lower effort, while maintaining user comfort and mobility, suitable for military and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each knee section comprises knee flexion/extension connections in the form of a polycentric mechanism on at least one of the right and left sides of the user's knee
Implementation Method 2
The exoskeleton is configured to be adjustable to the wearer's specific anatomy to support a wearer in carrying loads
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an exoskeleton (100) configured to be worn by a user in order to support and transfer a load carried by the user comprising a hip module (300) which is connected to two leg modules (400) each connected to two foot modules (500) respectively, wherein said exoskeleton (100) is adapted to be maintained on the body of the user and follow the user's movements and wherein said exoskeleton (100) is configured in such a way as to transfer to the load carried by the user from the hip module (300) down to the ground via the leg modules (400) and the foot modules (500) when the exoskeleton (100) is in use. In one embodiment, the exoskeleton further comprises a back module (200).