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Lightweight Exoskeletons with Controllable ActuatorsA proposed class of lightweight exoskeletal electromechanical systems would include electrically controllable actuators that would generate torques and forces that, depending on specific applications, would resist and/or assist wearers movements. The proposed systems would be successors to relatively heavy, bulky, and less capable human-strength-amplifying exoskeletal electromechanical systems that have been subjects of research during the past four decades. The proposed systems could be useful in diverse applications in which there are needs for systems that could be donned or doffed easily, that would exert little effect when idle, and that could be activated on demand: examples of such applications include (1) providing controlled movement and/or resistance to movement for physical exercise and (2) augmenting wearers strengths in the performance of military, law-enforcement, and industrial tasks. An exoskeleton according to the proposal would include adjustable lightweight graphite/epoxy struts and would be attached to the wearer's body by belts made of hook-and-pile material. At selected rotary and linear joints, the exoskeleton would be fitted, variously, with lightweight, low-power-consumption rotary and linear brakes, clutches, and motors. The exoskeleton would also be equipped with electronic circuitry for monitoring, control, and possibly communication with external electronic circuits that would perform additional monitoring and control functions.
Document ID
20110020305
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
External Source(s)
http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/662
Authors
Bar-Cohen, Yoseph (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Mavrodis, Constantinos (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Melli-Huber, Juan (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Fisch, Avi (Alan) (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, October 2004
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
NPO-30558
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20110020285Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, October 2004
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