Wireless Biometric Control for Active-Passive Robotic Exoskeletons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletons lack modularity and wireless control capabilities, limiting users' ability to switch between active and passive modes and requiring cumbersome wired sensors, which restricts freedom of movement and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular exoskeleton system with hybrid power clutch transmission and wireless biometric control using IoT technology, allowing users to detach and reattach motor units and engage/disengage power assist via electromagnetic clutches, combined with wireless communication between biometric sensors and a central processing unit for adaptive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor units are permanently fixed to the exoskeleton frame, then the exoskeleton can provide continuous power assistance, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton system implements dynamic reconfigurability through electromagnetic clutches that enable real-time switching between active and passive modes. The motor units remain physically attached to the frame but can be dynamically disengaged via clutch mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt its functionality based on user needs without permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton divides the power transmission system into separable components using electromagnetic clutches at each motor unit. This segmentation allows independent engagement/disengagement of motor units from the frame, enabling selective activation of power assistance for specific joints while maintaining overall system integrity.
2Measurement precision
If wired biometric sensors are used for control, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases due to cumbersome wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication technology for biometric sensor data transmission. Sensors mounted on the exoskeleton frame and motor units communicate biometric data and control signals wirelessly to the control unit, eliminating physical wiring while maintaining data transmission reliability and measurement precision.
3Reliability
If motor units remain continuously engaged, then power assistance is always available, but energy consumption increases and component wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic clutches enable periodic engagement and disengagement of motor units based on operational requirements. Rather than continuous engagement, the system selectively activates power assistance only when needed, reducing energy consumption and mechanical wear while maintaining reliability through on-demand power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily disengages motor units from the power transmission path when power assistance is not required, effectively 'discarding' their mechanical connection to the frame. This reduces friction and wear on motor components while allowing rapid re-engagement when assistance is needed again.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular motor units with electromagnetic clutches are implemented, then adaptability and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic clutch mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables mode switching between active and passive operation, controls power transmission to specific joints, and reduces mechanical wear through selective engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables users to seamlessly transition between active and passive modes, enhancing strength and mobility while reducing energy consumption and wear, with improved safety and user experience through modular design and wireless connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
Each motor unit includes an electromagnetic clutch that is selectively engageable to transmit power from the motor unit to the joint assembly
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of biometric sensors are mounted on the exoskeleton frame and are operable to detect user motion and transmit control signals to the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are wearable, wireless-enabled biometric sensor systems, methods for manufacturing/operating such biometric sensor systems, and robotic exoskeletons equipped with such biometric sensor systems. A biometric sensor system includes a first biometric subassembly that mounts to an upper-extremity portion of a user's appendage, and a second biometric subassembly that mounts to a lower-extremity portion of the user's appendage. Each biometric subassembly includes a respective biometric sensor that monitors a biometric characteristic of the respective extremity portion of the user appendage and wirelessly outputs a sensor signal indicative thereof. A system central processing unit (CPU), which mounts onto the user, is programmed to receive sensor signals from the biometric sensors, calculate a biometric parameter of the user appendage using biometric characteristics indicated by the received sensor signals, and command a subsystem (e.g., exoskeleton joint assembly motor module) to execute one or more control operations based on the calculated biometric parameter.