Device for supporting movement and lifting movements of a human body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive exoskeletons for supporting human movements and lifting tasks are either too bulky or lack effective preventive functions to restrict harmful movements, and they often require complex coordination with the user's movements.
Innovation Solution
A passive exoskeleton design incorporating a combination of form-elastic and quasi-rigid components, including a hip element, shoulder straps, back element, and leg straps with knee and foot elements, to provide support and prevent harmful movements by absorbing and releasing energy, while restricting harmful postures through stiffening elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If active exoskeletons with electric motors and hydraulic components are used to support movements, then direct assistance during movements is provided, but the device becomes heavy, bulky, and complex to coordinate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical drive systems (electric motors, hydraulic components) with a passive mechanical system using elastomeric elements and form-elastic materials. The elastomeric elements store and release energy to assist movements, while form-elastic materials provide structural support and movement restriction without requiring external power sources, thereby eliminating the weight and complexity of active drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton utilizes the user's own body movements to activate the support mechanism. When the user flexes joints or performs lifting motions, the elastomeric elements are deformed and store energy, which is then automatically released to assist the return movement or support the load, creating a self-regulating system that requires no external control or power supply.
2Weight of moving object
If passive exoskeletons with springs are used to support movements, then the device is lighter and less bulky, but they lack effective preventive functions to restrict harmful movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct material types with complementary properties: elastomeric elements for energy storage and release (support function), and form-elastic materials for structural rigidity and movement restriction (preventive function). This composite approach allows the single passive device to simultaneously provide both support and prevention without requiring separate active systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton is designed to perform multiple functions through its integrated structure: the elastomeric elements provide movement assistance through energy storage and release, while the form-elastic back element simultaneously restricts harmful movements through its rigid properties. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for support and prevention.
3Reliability
If form-elastic stiffening elements are added to restrict harmful movements, then preventive function is improved, but the device may become more rigid and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the exoskeleton: form-elastic stiffening elements are localized to the back element where movement restriction is needed, while elastomeric elements are positioned at the shoulder straps and leg straps where flexibility and comfort are prioritized. This spatial differentiation allows the device to provide prevention where necessary while maintaining comfort in contact areas.
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 design offers both supportive and preventive functions, reduces weight and bulk, and allows easy adjustment to fit various users, providing effective movement assistance while minimizing strain on the body.
Implementation Method 1
it has at least partially elastic components which absorb energy when the joints are flexed and release it again upon reflection in order to support the corresponding movement of the person
Implementation Method 2
it also has at least partially form-elastic or, in other words, quasi-rigid or quasi-stiff components which make harmful movements more difficult or even prevent them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for supporting movements and lifting movements of the human body, which device can be worn on the body, comprising: a hip element (20); two shoulder straps (40); a back element (30), which is provided on the hip element (20) and has at least one reinforcing element (32) made, at least in part, of an elastic material; and two leg straps (50), which are provided on the hip element (20), are made, at least in part, of an elastomer and are provided on the hip element (20) to run as an extension of the back element (30), each of the leg straps (50) comprising a knee element (70) with an upper knee loop (71), a lower knee loop (72), and a kneecap element (73) which preferably leaves the kneecap uncovered.