And use of a leg support exoskeleton

Abstract

A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as wearable device to support its user during squatting. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first line and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatably connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

Claims

1. A leg apparatus, configured to be coupled to a leg of a wearer, the leg apparatus comprising: a first link; a second link, coupled to the first link and configured to flex and extend relative the first link; a force generator, comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the force generator is rotatably coupled to the first link; and a constraining mechanism, having at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein: when the constraining mechanism is moved into the first operational mode, the second end of the force generator gets engaged with the second link and the force generator provides a resistance torque in response to flexion of the first link and the second link relative to each other, and when the constraining mechanism is moved into the second operational mode, the second end of the force generator is disengaged from the second link, and the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

2. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein the constraining mechanism comprises a pawl coupled to the second link, the pawl having at least a first operational position and a second operational position, wherein: when the pawl is in the first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages to the pawl when the first link and the second link flex relative to each other, and when the pawl is in the second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage to the pawl, and the first link and the second link are configured to flex and extend relative to each other.

3. The leg apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pawl is rotatably coupled to the second link.

4. The leg apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a manual tab having at least a first position and a second position and operable by the wearer, wherein: the manual tab moves the constraining mechanism to the first operational mode when the wearer moves the manual tab to the first position, and the manual tab moves the constraining mechanism to the second operational mode when the wearer moves the manual tab to the second position.

5. The leg apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an actuator configured to move the pawl between the first position and the second position.

6. The leg apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a manual tab having at least a first position and a second position and operable by the wearer, wherein: the manual tab moves the constraining mechanism to the first operational mode when the wearer moves the manual tab to the first position, and the manual tab moves the constraining mechanism to the second operational mode when the wearer moves the manual tab to the second position.

7. The leg apparatus of claim 6, wherein the manual tab is configured to slide on the second link and relative to the second link between the first position and the second position.

8. The leg apparatus of claim 6, wherein the manual tab comprises a magnet, and wherein the magnet of the manual tab generates magnetic force configured to move the constraining mechanism between the first operational mode and the second operational mode.

9. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein the constraining mechanism comprises: an indentation; and an indentation filler, coupled to the second link and having at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein: when the indentation filler is in the first operational mode, the indentation is not occupied by the indentation filler and the second end of the force generator is engaged with the indentation when the first link and the second link flex relative to each other, and when the indentation filler is in the second operational mode, the indentation is occupied by the indentation filler, the second end of the force generator dis engaged from the indentation, and the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

10. The leg apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an actuator configured to move the indentation filler between a first filler position and a second filler position.

11. The leg apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a triggering mechanism configured to automatically move the constraining mechanism between the first operational mode and the second operational mode, wherein the triggering mechanism comprises: an actuator, configured to move the constraining mechanism between the first operational mode and the second operational mode; and a stance sensor, configured to detect if the leg of the wearer is in contact with a ground and to generate an electric signal when the leg of the wearer is in contact with the ground, wherein when the leg of the wearer is contacting the ground, the stance sensor generates the electric signal, and the actuator moves the constraining mechanism to the first operational mode.

12. The leg apparatus of claim 11, wherein the stance sensor is selected from the group consisting of a strain gage sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a piezoelectric force sensor, a force sensor based on force sensing resistors, and any combination thereof.

13. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the first link or the second link is configured to be coupled to a thigh of the wearer.

14. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the first link or the second link is configured to be coupled with a shank of the wearer.

15. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein the force generator is selected from the group consisting of a gas spring, a compression spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, an air spring, a tensile spring, and a combination thereof.

16. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein the constraining mechanism is configured to be moved by the wearer between the first operational mode and the second operational mode.

17. The leg apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuator, configured to move the constraining mechanism between the first operational mode and the second operational mode.

18. The leg apparatus of claim 1, wherein the constraining mechanism is in the first operational mode when the leg of the wearer is on a ground.

19. The leg apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one stance detector, configured to generate a stance signal, wherein the constraining mechanism moves to the first operational mode if the stance detector declares the leg of the wearer is on a ground.

20. A leg apparatus configured to be coupled to a leg of a wearer, the leg apparatus comprising: a first link; a second link, coupled to the first link and capable of flexion and extension motion relative the first link; and a force generator, comprising a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the force generator is coupled to the first link, wherein while the leg of the wearer is on a ground, the second end of the force generator is automatically engaged with the second link when the first link and the second link flex relative to each other, and while the leg of the wearer is not on the ground, the second end of the force generator is automatically disengaged from the second link, and the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

21. The leg apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a stance sensor, configured to detect if the leg of the wearer is in contact with the ground and to generate a first electric signal when the leg of the wearer is in contact with the ground and to generate a second signal when the leg of the wearer is not in contact with the ground.

22. The leg apparatus of claim 21, wherein the stance sensor is located in a location selected from the group consisting of inside a shoe of the wearer, at a bottom of the shoe of the wearer, in a sole of the shoe of the wearer, and any combination thereof.

23. The leg apparatus of claim 21, wherein the stance sensor is selected from the group consisting of a strain gage sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a piezoelectric force sensor, a force sensor based on force sensing resistors, and any combination thereof.

24. The leg apparatus of claim 20, further comprising an actuator, configured to engage the second end of the force generator with the second link.

25. The leg apparatus of claim 24, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a solenoid, a linear motor, an electric motor, a servo, a DC motors, a voice coil actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a spring loaded solenoid, a spring loaded motor, and any combination of these.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an exoskeleton leg which is configured to be strapped on or otherwise connected to a lower extremity of a person.

(2) FIG. 2 shows the exoskeleton leg without the person.

(3) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an exoskeleton leg where a first link is configured to move in unison with a user's thigh and a second link is configured to move in unison with a user's shank.

(4) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an exoskeleton leg where a first link is configured to move in unison with a user's shank and a second link is configured to move in unison with a user's thigh 204.

(5) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a constraining mechanism.

(6) FIG. 6 shows in operation when a moving tab is in its first position.

(7) FIG. 7 shows an exoskeleton leg without a person.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a first link moves a flexion relative to a second link.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a first link moves a flexion relative to a second link.

(10) FIG. 10 shows an exoskeleton leg where a constraining mechanism is in its second position where motion in flexion and an extension between the first link and second link relative to each other are free.

(11) FIG. 11 shows an exoskeleton leg where a constraining mechanism is in its second position where motion flexion and an extension between the first link and second link relative to each other are free.

(12) FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a constraining mechanism.

(13) FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of constraining mechanism in a first operating position.

(14) FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of constraining mechanism in a second operating position.

(15) FIG. 15 shows an embodiment where a moving tab is moved manually by person 200.

(16) FIG. 16 shows an embodiment where a triggering mechanism is moved by a stance sensing module connected to the exoskeleton leg.

(17) FIG. 17 shows an embodiment where the leg is off the ground and a stance sensing module triggers the second operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(18) FIG. 18 shows a constraint mechanism is in a second operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(19) FIG. 19 shows an embodiment where the leg is on the ground and a stance sensing module uses a transmission line to trigger the first operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(20) FIG. 20 shows an embodiment where the leg is not on the ground and stance sensing module triggers the second operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(21) FIG. 21 shows an embodiment where the leg is on the ground and a hydraulics stance detector triggers the first operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(22) FIG. 22 shows an embodiment where the leg is on the ground and a triggering mechanism includes a stance sensor that is capable of generating a stance signal that triggers the first operational position of the constraining mechanism.

(23) FIG. 23 shows an embodiment where a triggering mechanism includes a stance sensor and a contralateral stance sensor which a generate stance signal and a contralateral stance signal to trigger the operational position of the constraint mechanism.

(24) FIG. 24 shows an embodiment where a foot connector can quickly detach from foot link mechanism.

(25) FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of an exoskeleton leg where a foot link mechanism includes a first ankle link that is connected to a first link.

(26) FIG. 26 shows an embodiment where a foot connector is located inside a user's shoe. The shoe has been removed from the image for clarity.

(27) FIG. 27 shows an embodiment where a foot connector is located inside a cavity within shoe sole.

(28) FIG. 28 shows an embodiment where a foot connector can quickly detach from a user's shoe.

(29) FIG. 29 shows an embodiment where a foot connector can quickly detach from a foot link mechanism.

(30) FIG. 30 shows an embodiment where a foot link mechanism can quickly detach from a first link.

(31) FIG. 31 shows an embodiment where an exoskeleton leg includes a torque adjustment mechanism that can be used to change the supporting torque.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(32) Various embodiments of the invention include an exoskeleton leg that supports the user's leg and knee while squatting. A device according to the invention reduces leg muscle strain while squatting, but allows the user to walk freely without any interference. Various embodiments of the invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures. These inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

(33) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of exoskeleton leg 100 which is configured to be strapped on or otherwise connected or coupled to a lower extremity 202 of a person 200.

(34) FIG. 2 shows exoskeleton leg 100 without person 200. Exoskeleton leg 100, in addition to other things, comprises: a first link 102 which, in one embodiment, is configured to move in unison with a user's thigh 204; a second link 104 which, in one embodiment, is configured to move in unison with a user's shank 206; a knee joint 106 positioned between first link 102 and second link 104 and is configured to allow flexion and extension between first link 102 and second link 104, where flexion is shown by arrow 120 where first link 102 gets close to second link 104 and extension is shown by arrow 118 where first link 102 gets farther away from second link 104; a force generator 108, wherein the first end 112 af force generator 108 is rotatably coupled to first link 102; a constraining mechanism 130 which is coupled to second link 104 having at least two operational positions (or modes); and a triggering mechanism 132 capable of moving constraining mechanism 130 into its two operational positions.

(35) In operation, when constraining mechanism 130 is moved into its first operational position (or mode), second end 114 of force generator 108 gets rotatably latched to second link 104, only when first link 102 and second link 104 move in the first direction 120 relative to each other. This causes force generator 108 to create a force resisting motion in the first direction 120 of first link 102 relative to second link 104. It is important to realize that, in this first operational position, if first link 102 and second link 104 are moving in the second direction 118 relative to each other, constraining mechanism 130 does not constrain second end 114 of force generator 108 to the second link 104.

(36) In operation when constraining mechanism 130 is moved into its second operational mode (or mode), second end 114 of force generator 108 is free to move and slide on second link 104 at all times (move unimpeded in both first direction 118 and second direction 120).

(37) In summary, exoskeleton leg 100 provides assistance during squatting by moving into its first operational position, but allows for free and unconstrained walking by moving into its second operational position. In the first operational mode, force generator 108 provides a force to support the person during squatting; while in the second operational position, force generator 108 does not interfere with the person's walking and the person is free to walk without any interference from exoskeleton leg 100.

(38) FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of exoskeleton leg 100 which first link 102 is configured to move in unison with a user's shank 206. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, first link 102 and second link 103 are coupled to person's leg 208 with the help of braces 110.

(39) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of exoskeleton leg 100 which first link 102 is configured to move in unison with a user's thigh 204 and second link 104 is configured to move in unison with a user's shank 206.

(40) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of constraining mechanism 130. In this embodiment, constraining mechanism 130 comprises of an indentation 140 in second link 104 and an indentation filler 142 capable of moving relative to second link 104. In operation, when indentation filler 142 is in its first position as shown in FIG. 6, indentation 140 is not occupied by indentation filler 142. This means when first link 102 and second link 104 move in flexion 120 relative to each other, second end 114 of force generator 108 engages indentation 140. As first link 102 moves in flexion 120 relative to second link 104, the resisting force of force generator 108 resist the motion in flexion 120 of first link 102 relative to second link 104. This resisting force provides support for person 200 during squatting. This is shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9. However when indentation filler 142 is moved into its second position as shown in FIG. 5, indentation 140 is occupied by indentation filler 142. This means that second end 114 af force generator 108 does not engage indentation 140 and therefore first link 102 and second link 104 are free to move in flexion 120 and extension 118 relative to each other. FIGS. 10 and 11 show exoskeleton leg 100 where constraining mechanism 130 is in its second position which motion in flexion 120 and extension 118 between the first link 102 and second link 104 relative to each other are free.

(41) FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of constraining mechanism 130. In this embodiment, constraining mechanism 130 includes a pawl 152 on second link 104; and the triggering mechanism 132 comprises of a moving tab 154 capable of moving relative to second link 104. In operation, when moving tab 154 moves to its first position as shown in FIG. 12, pawl 152 moves into its first operational position and pawl 152 engages with a sliding ratchet 150 that is part of the second end 114 of force generator 108 such that the second end 114 of the force generator 108 engages to second link 104. See FIG. 13. This only occurs when first link 102 and second link 104 move in the first direction 120 relative to each other. However, when moving tab 154 moves into its second position and pawl 152 moves into its second operational position, pawl 152 does not engage with sliding ratchet 150 and the second end of said force generator does not latch onto said first link; and said first link and said second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows an embodiment where constraining mechanism 130 is moved by person 200 into its operational positions.

(42) In some embodiments, exoskeleton leg 100 includes a manual tab 134 having at least two positions and operable by person 200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, manual tab 134 slides on second link 104 and has at least two positions relative to second link 104. In operation, when person 200 moves manual tab 134 to its first position so that the constraining mechanism 130 is in its first operational position, force generator 108 engages the indentation 140 when person 200 squats. The engagement of forces generator 108 to indentation 140, causes a supporting force during squatting. This decreases the person's knee torque and provides support for person 200. When person 200 moves manual tab 134 to its second position so that the constraining mechanism 130 is in its second operational position, force generator 108 does not engage the indentation 140 when person 200 squats, walks, or doing any movements. This allows person 200 to move freely and unimpeded.

(43) In some embodiments, manual tab 134 includes a magnet where the magnetic force moves constraining mechanism 130 between its two positions. This arrangement reduces the necessary linkage between manual tab 134 and constraining mechanism 130.

(44) FIG. 16 shows an embodiment where exoskeleton leg 100 includes a triggering mechanism 132 capable of automatically moving constraining mechanism into two operational positions. Triggering mechanism 132 includes a stance detector 160 that is connected to exoskeleton leg 100. When stance detector 160 declares person's leg 208 is on the ground, stance detector 160 generates a stance signal 170 and moves constraining mechanism 130 to its first operational position. When constraining mechanism 130 is in its first operational position, force generator 108 is able to engage indentation 140, causing a supporting force during squatting. This decreases the person's knee torque and provides support for person 200. However, when stance detector 160 declares person's leg 208 is not on the ground, stance detector 160 moves constraining mechanism 130 to its second operational position. In this position, force generator 108 does not engage indentation 140 when person 200 squats, walks, or doing any movements. This allows person 200 to move freely and unimpeded. See FIGS. 17 and 18.

(45) FIG. 19 shows an embodiment where a triggering mechanism 132 automatically moves constraining mechanism 130 into two operational positions. Triggering mechanism 132 includes of a stance detector 160 and a transmission line 162 that is connected to constraining mechanism 130 from one end and stance detector 160 from its second end. In operation, when stance detector 160 declares person's leg 208 is on the ground, transmission line 162 is pulled and indentation filler 142 is moved to its first position, allowing force generator 108 to engage indentation 140. However, when stance detector 160 declares person's leg 208 is not on the ground, as shown in FIG. 20, transmission line 162 is released and return spring 163 moves indentation filler 142 to its second position, not allowing force generator 108 to engage indentation 140. This allows person 200 to move freely and unimpededly.

(46) In some embodiments, stance detector 160 is located inside user's shoe 212. In some embodiments, stance detector 160 is located on the bottom of user's shoe 212. In some embodiments, detector 160 is located in user's shoe sole. An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize transmission line 162 can be selected from a set consisting of rope, wire rope, twine, thread, nylon rope, chain, and rod, and any combination of these.

(47) FIG. 21 shows an embodiment where transmission line 162 is a hydraulic hose 300 containing hydraulic fluid and stance detector 160 includes a reservoir 302 filled with hydraulic fluid. In operation, when exoskeleton leg 100 is in contact with the ground, the pressure generated in hydraulic fluid due to contact of exoskeleton leg 100 with the ground moves constraining mechanism 130 to its first operational position through hydraulic hose 300 and when exoskeleton leg 100 is not in contact with the ground, return spring 163 moves constraining mechanism 130 to its second operational position.

(48) In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 22, triggering mechanism 132 includes of a stance sensor 164 that is capable of generating a stance signal 170 when person's leg 208 is in the stance phase. Triggering mechanism 132 further includes of an actuator 166 connected or coupled to constraining mechanism 130 such that actuator 166 is capable of moving indentation filler 142 in and out of indentation 140.

(49) In operation, when stance sensor 164 declares person's leg 208 is on the ground, actuator 166 moves indentation filler 142 away from indentation 140 allowing force generator 108 to engage indentation 140. This allows a supporting force to be generated during squatting. This decreases the person's knee torque and provides support for person 200. However, when stance sensor 160 declares the person's leg 208 is not on the ground, actuator 166 moves indentation filler 142 into indentation 140 preventing force generator 108 from engaging indentation 140. In this position, force generator 108 does not engage indentation 140 when person 200 squats, walks, or doing any movements. This allows person 200 to move freely and unimpeded.

(50) FIG. 23 shows another embodiment. Triggering mechanism 132 includes a stance sensor 164 that is capable of generating a stance signal 170. Triggering mechanism 132 further includes an actuator 166 connected or coupled to constraining mechanism 130 such that actuator 166 is capable of moving indentation filler 142 in and out of indentation 140. Triggering mechanism 132 additionally includes a contralateral stance sensor 168 that is connected to the person's contralateral leg 210 whereas contralateral stance sensor 168 is capable of generating a contralateral stance signal 172 when person's contralateral leg 210 is contacting the ground. When stance sensor 164 and contralateral stance sensor 168 declare person's leg 208 and person's contralateral leg 210 are on the ground, actuator 166 moves indentation filler 142 away from indentation 140 allowing force generator 108 to engage indentation 140. This allows a supporting force to be generated during squatting. This decreases the person's knee torque and provides support for person 200. However, when either stance sensor 160 or contralateral stance sensor 168 declares the person's leg 208 or person's contralateral leg 210 is not on the ground, actuator 166 moves indentation filler 142 into indentation 140 preventing force generator 108 from engaging indentation 140. In this position, force generator 108 does not engage indentation 140 when person 200 squats, walks, or doing any movements. This allows person 200 to move freely and unimpeded.

(51) In some embodiments, stance sensor 164 is located inside user's shoe 212. In some embodiments of the invention, stance sensor 164 is located on the bottom of user's shoe 212. In some embodiments of the invention, stance sensor 164 is located in user's shoe sole.

(52) An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize stance sensor 164 can be selected from a set consisting of strain gage sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, piezoelectric force sensor, and force sensors based on force sensing resistors, and any combination of these. An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize actuator 166 can be selected from a set consisting of solenoids, linear motors, electric motors, servos, DC motors, voice coil actuators, piezoelectric actuators, spring loaded solenoids, and spring loaded motors, and combination of these.

(53) In some embodiments, exoskeleton leg 100 further includes a foot link mechanism 183. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25, foot link mechanism 183 is connected or coupled to first link 102 when first link 102 is connected or coupled to user's shank 206. Of course in some embodiments, foot link mechanism 183 is connected or coupled to second link 104 when second link 104 is connected or coupled to user's shank 206 (not shown). A person having ordinary skill the art will recognize various mechanism with various degrees of freedom for foot link mechanism 183. FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of exoskeleton leg 100 that foot link mechanism 183 includes a first ankle link 180 that is coupled to second link 104. The second end of first ankle link 180 is rotatably coupled to a foot connector 182 that is configured to move in unison with the person's foot 214. In some embodiments of invention, as shown in FIG. 25 foot connector 182 is located at the bottom of said user's shoe 212. In some embodiments of invention, as shown in FIG. 26 foot connector 182 is located inside user's shoe 212. The shoe has been removed from the image for clarity. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27, foot connector 182 is located inside cavity 184 within shoe sole.

(54) As shown in FIG. 28, in some embodiments of invention, foot connector 182 can quickly detach from user's shoe 212. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 29, in some embodiments, foot connector 182 can quickly detach from foot link mechanism 183. As shown in FIG. 30, in some embodiments, foot link mechanism 183 can quickly detach from first link 102. Of course in some embodiments, foot link mechanism 183 can quickly detach from second link 104 when second link 104 is coupled to user's shank 206 (not shown).

(55) FIG. 31 shows an embodiment of exoskeleton leg 100 that includes a torque adjustment mechanism 190 that can be used to change the supporting torque exoskeleton leg 100 is capable of providing. In this specific embodiment, torque adjustment mechanism 190 comprises of a torque adjustment dial 192 that can be rotated to change the location of first end 112 or second end 114 of force generator 108.

(56) This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.