Wearable Power Pack and Unified Connector for Exoskeleton Actuators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable robotic systems face challenges in efficiently providing operational power and fluid supply to integrated actuators, necessitating improved power and fluid management systems for enhanced user assistance.
Innovation Solution
A wearable robotic system with an integrated power pack or exoskeleton device that includes a power source, fluidic transmission components, and a control unit for real-time operation, connected via power and fluidic cables to actuation units, such as knee braces, to provide assistance through forces and torques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wearable robotic system integrates power and fluidic components into a compact pack, then the system becomes more portable and wearable, but the power and fluid transmission reliability deteriorates due to space constraints and cable flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power and fluid transmission into separate modular components: a power pack containing electrical components and a fluid pack containing pneumatic/hydraulic components. Each module can be independently optimized and connected to actuators through separate cables, allowing reliable transmission while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unified connector as an intermediary component that integrates both electrical and fluidic connections into a single interface. This mediator ensures reliable transmission by providing structured, organized connections between the power/fluid packs and actuators, preventing cable tangling and ensuring proper connection alignment.
2Reliability
If the system uses separate cables for power and fluid transmission, then the transmission reliability improves through dedicated pathways, but the device complexity increases due to multiple cables and connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power and fluid transmission systems into a unified integrated pack that contains both electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic components. This consolidation reduces the number of separate cables needed, as the integrated pack can provide both power and fluid through a single connection interface to actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power connection, fluidic connection, and signal transmission through a single integrated interface. This multi-functional component simplifies the overall system architecture by replacing multiple separate connectors with one universal interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides multiple functions through a single integrated pack, then the adaptability improves for various applications, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper integration of power and fluid components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pack is segmented into distinct modular sections: a power module for electrical components and a fluid module for pneumatic/hydraulic components. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested separately with controlled precision requirements, then assembled together to provide multi-functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified connector acts as a precision intermediary that interfaces with both the integrated pack and actuators. It provides structured alignment features and connection guides that ensure proper integration and connection precision, reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden on the main integrated pack structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An exoskeleton system that includes one more actuator units that each include an actuator, the one or more actuator units configured to be worn by a user; an exoskeleton device; one or more cables, comprising a first cable extending from the exoskeleton device to a first actuator unit of the one or more actuator units; and a power pack in which the exoskeleton device is disposed.