Soft Exosuit Layer Architecture for Powered Mobility Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable robotic systems, such as the ReWalk exoskeleton, are limited in their ability to provide assistive functionality for individuals with varying degrees of disability and are not suitable for able-bodied individuals seeking functional augmentation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an exosuit system comprising a base layer for load distribution, a stability layer for passive restorative forces, a power layer for active contractive forces, and control circuitry to manage these forces for various assistive body movement modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid exoskeleton with powered actuators is used, then assistive functionality for paraplegic patients is achieved, but the system becomes too large and complex for other disability levels and able-bodied individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid exoskeleton structures with flexible textile layers including a base layer, stability layer, and power layer. The flexible linear actuators are integrated into this soft suit architecture, allowing the system to conform to the human body while providing assistive forces, thus reducing structural complexity and expanding applicability to various user groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the large rigid frame from the system, retaining only the essential functional elements (flexible actuators and control systems) that can be integrated into a wearable soft suit. This extraction enables the system to be adapted for different disability levels and able-bodied users seeking functional augmentation.
2Power
If a rigid exoskeleton system is used, then powered assistance is provided, but the system requires caregiver assistance and is not user-independent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through integrated control circuitry that processes sensor data and autonomously controls the flexible linear actuators. The system includes sensors for detecting body position and movement intent, along with control algorithms that enable the exosuit to operate independently without caregiver intervention, providing powered assistance based on user needs.
3Force
If flexible linear actuators are used in an exosuit, then active contractive forces are provided, but the system lacks passive restorative forces for stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active and passive force-generating elements into a unified multi-layer exosuit system. The power layer with flexible linear actuators provides active contractive forces, while the stability layer with elastic elements provides passive restorative forces. These layers work together synergistically to provide both powered assistance and inherent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining elastic elements with textile layers. The stability layer uses elastic materials that provide passive restorative forces through their inherent elasticity, while the power layer uses actuators that generate active forces. This composite approach integrates multiple force mechanisms within a unified wearable system.
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 exosuit system provides effective assistance in spinal extensor, hip extensor, and hip flexor muscle movements, enabling tasks such as sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, and gait assistance, while being adaptable for different user needs and activities.
Implementation Method 1
a power layer coupled to the base layer and operative to provide active contractive forces between pairs of the specific regions
Implementation Method 2
a stability layer coupled to the base layer and operative to provide passive restorative forces between pairs of the specific regions
Data Source
AI summary
Exosuit systems and methods according to various embodiments are described herein. The exosuit system can be a suit that is worn by a wearer on the outside of his or her body. It may be worn under the wearer's normal clothing, over their clothing, between layers of clothing, or may be the wearer's primary clothing itself. The exosuit may be assistive, as it physically assists the wearer in performing particular activities, or can provide other functionality such as communication to the wearer through physical expressions to the body, engagement of the environment, or capturing of information from the wearer.