Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
  • B25J9/00—Programme-controlled manipulators
  • B25J9/0006—Exoskeletons, i.e. resembling a human figure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
  • B25J13/00—Controls for manipulators
  • B25J13/08—Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
  • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
  • A61H1/024—Knee
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
  • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
  • A61H1/0244—Hip
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
  • A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
  • A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
  • A61H1/0255—Both knee and hip of a patient, e.g. in supine or sitting position, the feet being moved together in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical plane
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
  • A61H3/008—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about using suspension devices for supporting the body in an upright walking or standing position, e.g. harnesses
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
  • B25J1/00—Manipulators positioned in space by hand
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0173—Means for preventing injuries
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0173—Means for preventing injuries
  • A61H2201/0176—By stopping operation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/12—Driving means
  • A61H2201/1238—Driving means with hydraulic or pneumatic drive
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/1614—Shoulder, e.g. for neck stretching
  • A61H2201/1616—Holding means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/1628—Pelvis
  • A61H2201/163—Pelvis holding means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/164—Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/164—Feet or leg, e.g. pedal
  • A61H2201/1642—Holding means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/165—Wearable interfaces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
  • A61H2201/1676—Pivoting
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5061—Force sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5069—Angle sensors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5079—Velocity sensors

Definitions

• the invention provides a robot displacement device for use with a robotic frame shaped to approximate and be coupleable to at least a portion of the human body and configured to mimic movement with the human body.
• Said robotic frame is also referred to herein as an exoskeleton.
• the device employs a plurality of linear and rotational force sensors which are attached to the robotic frame near the hands and feet of the frame.
• the sensors detect a baseline controlling interface force status relationship between the sensors and the extremities of the human operator, including a contacting relationship as well as a displaced, non-contacting relationship.
• the sensors then output a force signal to a computation system which is integrated into the robotic frame.
• the computation system calculates a linear and rotational force required to maintain the controlling force status relationship. That system then generates and transmits an actuation signal to a drive system attached to the robotic frame. The drive system then displaces a portion of the robotic frame in order to maintain the controlling force status relationship. Alternatively, where no displacement is desired, but the load on the robotic frame has changed, the drive system increases the linear and rotational forces on the robotic frame as needed to maintain the controlling force status relationship.
• FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a robotic frame, central control unit, force sensors, and drive system showing cross-sections displayed in the proceeding figures.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the robotic frame, central control unit, force sensors, and drive system of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 shows cross section A-A of FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of a foot portion of the robotic frame and related force sensors.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a foot portion of a robotic frame
• FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a foot portion of a robotic frame
• FIG. 6 is cross section B-B of FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of a cross section of a hip portion of a robotic frame and related force sensors;
• FIG. 7 is cross section C-C of FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of a cross section of a shoulder portion of a robotic frame and related force sensors;
• FIG. 8 is cross section D-D of FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of a cross section of a hand portion of a robotic frame and related force sensors;
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating of one embodiment of an exoskeleton control system.
• the present invention relates generally to wearable robotic displacement systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a robotic frame and actuator system that mechanically displaces in proportion to force applied by a user therewith.
• Integrating humans and robotic machines in one system offers a world of opportunities for creating a new generation of assistance technology that can be used in biomedical, industrial, military, and aerospace applications.
• the human component contributes its natural and highly developed control algorithms that implement advanced decision making and sensing mechanisms, while the robotic component offers technological advantages such as power, accuracy and speed.
• An exoskeleton driven by a power source other than the human operator is a class of robot manipulators that amplifies human muscle strength while maintaining human control of the operator's objective.
• the joint system of the exoskeleton should approximate that of the human body and ideally respond to both the amplitude and direction of force of the human operator through some type of human/exoskeleton interface.
• a portion of the robotic exoskeleton research effort has been focused on developing the human/exoskeleton interface through at bioport at the neuromuscular level using electromyography signals as the primary command signal to the system.
• Such systems use bioelectric sensors attached to the skin on the legs to monitor signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles.
• the nerve signal from the brain to the muscles generates a detectable electric current on the skin's surface.
• These currents are picked up by the sensors and sent to a computer that translates the nerve signals into signals that control electric motors at the hips and knees of the exoskeleton.
• the accuracy of the bioelectric sensors can decrease significantly.
• the exoskeleton frame 100 is shaped to approximate and be coupleable to at least a portion of the human body and configured to mimic movement with the human body.
• the device employs a plurality of force sensors which are attached to the robotic frame 100 near the hands 110 and feet 120 of the frame which are operatively coupled to a central control system 160 and drive system 150.
• the force sensors are capable of detecting linear or rotational forces acting on the robotic frame 100.
• the sensitivity of the force sensors is adjustable.
• the sensors can be configurable to respond only when a force is applied to the force sensor which exceeds a predetermined level.
• IFSR interface force status relationship
• the wrist of the wearer may not be in forceful contact with the corresponding portion of the exoskeleton forearm/wrist when not moving.
• the user needs to apply a force to the exoskeleton as movement is desired - raising an arm or pushing it to the side. This movement results in modification of the non-contacting status of the IFSR, to one of physical contact between the exoskeleton and wrist of the user.
• the exoskeleton will respond to this contact by an appropriate movement to "get out of the way.” Such response may be sequentially repeated many times until the movement of the wrist/forearm is completed. At this point the force status relationship is again stable in the non-contacting position and movement is suspended.
• the foot of the user may be standing on sensors, resulting in a given applied force.
• This IFSR is based on actual contact between the foot and sensor. As the user raises the foot, a non-contacting relationship arises. The exoskeleton will then respond in an effort to reinstate the loaded contact between the foot and its associated exoskeleton component. In this case, therefore, the IFSR is the contacting relationship where the user's foot is forcefully contacting the exoskeleton.
• the sensors are capable of detecting a baseline controlling interface force status relationship between the sensors and the extremities of the human operator.
• the sensors then output a force signal to a central control unit and computational system 160 which is integrated into the robotic frame 100.
• the computation system 160 calculates a linear and rotational force required to maintain the controlling force status relationship whether it is a contacting or non-contacting relationship. That system then generates and transmits an actuation signal to a drive system 150 attached to the robotic frame 100.
• the drive system 150 then displaces a portion of the robotic frame 100 in order to maintain the controlling force status relationship.
• the drive system 150 increases or decreases the linear and rotational forces on the robotic frame 100 as needed to maintain the controlling force status relationship until the movement is completed.
• the present invention allows the wearer to perform activities that he would normally be incapable of or would otherwise have to expend considerable time and energy to perform.
• the system may be worn by military personnel, construction workers, police, medical personnel, and others to support the function or correct the shape of the human body.
• the wearable frame could reduce the number of personnel required in dangerous or hazardous tasks and reduce the physical stress experienced by personnel when executing such tasks.
• the wearable frame could also be configured for application- specific tasks which might involve exposure to radiation, gas, chemical or biological agents.
• the wearable frame could also be used to aid physically impaired individuals in executing otherwise impossible tasks such as sitting, standing or walking.
• the displacement device could serve as a power amplifier, amplifying small motions and forces into controlled, large motions and forces.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a robot displacement device utilizing a plurality of sensors which are attached to a robotic frame 100 and disposed adjacent to or in contact with the human operator near the hands 110 and feet 120.
• sensors are disposed adjacent to or in contact with the human operator near the hips 130 and shoulders 140.
• the sensors 110, 120, 130, and 140 are capable of simultaneously detecting multiple directions of movement of the human operator upon multiple axes.
• a human operator may enter the robot displacement device by placing his or her feet into a foot portion 101 of the robotic frame 100 wherein the feet of the operator are in contact with a corresponding force sensor 120.
• FIG. 6 shows the hip portion of the robotic frame 102 and corresponding force sensor 130.
• the operator 52 may be coupled to the frame 100 by a waist strap 103 or other appropriate coupling device. Shown in FIG. 7, the operator 52 is further coupled to the robotic frame 100 by a shoulder strap 104.
• the force sensor 140 is attached to the robotic frame 100 near the shoulder area of the operator.
• the hand of the operator 53 grips a handle 105 coupled to the robotic frame 100.
• the force sensor 110 is disposed between the handle 105 and the robotic frame 100.
• a central control unit 160 can detect the current joint position and velocity of the robotic frame as well as the force of gravity and direction of gravity relative to the position of the frame. Desired joint position and velocity values of the exoskeleton, responsive to operator movement, are then calculated. Thereafter, the drive system 150 of the device, which may include multiple drive mechanisms positioned at multiple locations on the robotic frame 100, acts in concert with movement of the operator to displace the robotic frame 100.
• drive mechanisms may be disposed proximate to joints 106 of the robotic frame 100 and configured to create a linear or rotational force on a member of the robotic frame 100 in order to create the desired displacement.
• the exoskeleton frame 100 may be displaced in multiple directions and upon multiple axes.
• the central control unit 160 can also serve as a fuel storage device, power generation center and/or a signal generation/processing center. Actual movement of the exoskeleton can be accomplished with delivery of hydraulic fluid through control valves to activate displacement of the robotic frame 100. While specific reference is made herein to hydraulic fluid actuator systems, it is understood that any actuator system capable of moving portions of the exoskeleton are contemplated for use herein.
• the central control unit 160 can calculate a force of the exoskeleton structure 100 exerted on the human operator and also a joint rotational force of the drive system 150 required to counteract the calculated force exerted on the human operator by the robotic frame 100. Thereafter, the drive system 150 exerts the computed rotational force on the joint component of the robotic frame 100 to counteract the force exerted on the human operator by the robotic structure 100.
• an operator of the robotic frame 100 may have a load placed on the back of the robotic frame 100. That load may create a moment force on the robotic frame 100 which would otherwise pull the robotic frame 100 and the human operator down and/or backwards.
• the central control unit 160 is configured to counteract forces placed externally on the robotic frame 100 in order to maintain the robotic frame 100 in an upright position. It is understood, however, that the central control system 160 may be configured to maintain the robotic frame 100 in any desired position (e.g., prone, crouching, and/or sitting). In one aspect of the invention, the control unit 160 of the robot displacement device may be configured to direct power from or to groups of less than all of the force sensors. This would enable the device to essentially "shut down" certain portions of the robotic frame 100 in order to optimize the wearer's desired mode of operation.
• control system 160 is further configured to receive remote signals from a communication device in order to facilitate automatic changes in the mode of operation from a remote observer.
• a remote observer may send a control signal to the control system 160 commanding the robot displacement device to lay flat or to actuate itself (i.e., over-ride any command signals from the force sensors) thereby ambulating to a location designated by the remote observer or to a predetermined location.
• movement of the robotic frame 100 is accomplished by a drive system 150 disposed proximate to the joints 106 of the robotic frame having, among other things, hydraulic lines and valves.
• the cylinder (not shown) within the drive system 150 can be extended or retracted to adjust the relative position of the robotic frame.
• the hydraulic fluid line and drive mechanism can be pressurized or driven by an internal combustion (IC) engine or other power conversion device.
• IC internal combustion
• a power conversion device includes an engine with a chamber having a primary piston, a rapid response component and a controller operably interconnected to the chamber.
• the chamber can also include at least one fluid port for supplying fluid thereto and an out-take port.
• the primary piston in combination with the fluid port can be configured to provide a variable pressure to the chamber and at least partially facilitate combustion to create energy in a combustion portion of the chamber.
• the primary piston can be configured to reciprocate in the chamber.
• the controller can be configured to control the combustion in the chamber.
• the rapid response component can be in fluid communication with the chamber so that the rapid response component is situated adjacent the combustion portion of the chamber.
• the system can be configured such that a drive system 150 and a power conversion device 180 are located at each joint of the robotic frame 100 and are controlled by signals from the central control unit 130. Also, safety devices such as power interrupts can be included to protect the safety of the personnel wearing the robotic frame.
• FIG. 9 a block diagram is illustrated of the control system and computational means for providing control of the robotic frame while minimizing interaction force applied by the operator of the robotic frame to the robotic frame itself.
• the measured input parameters used by the computational means can include:
• the gravity vector, g 230 (typically measured in some frame of reference attached to the exoskeleton, for example using an inertial measurement unit attached to the pelvis); 5.
• the interaction force and moments vectors F are measured for example at locations, such as:
• the control law including gravity compensation is used to compute desired torque commands ( ⁇ d 220) that produce the desired results. More specifically, the desired result is to achieve natural, intuitive control while keeping the interaction force between the operator and the exoskeleton many times less than the weight of the payload being transported by the system (except for the component of the weight of the operator itself that must be supported by his feet while standing on the ground).
• ⁇ d g(Q) + K s (s L ,s R )3 ⁇ K f (s ⁇ ,s R )(F mtred - s R - m P g toot ) (2) for the right leg.
• J ⁇ 260 is the transposed Jacobian matrix which is a function of the exoskeleton joint angles ⁇ 200 with the Jacobian itself relating the translational and angular velocity of some system of reference (e.g., the foot force-moment sensor) relative to another system of reference (e.g. a system of reference attached to the pelvis) and the exoskeleton joints speed ⁇ 210.
• some system of reference e.g., the foot force-moment sensor
• another system of reference e.g. a system of reference attached to the pelvis
• the term g( ⁇ ) 280 corresponds to the gravity compensation torque command.
• This gravity compensation command is a feed-forward command that provides steady- state weight compensation and allows the payload and the exoskeleton to be supported without using the Force-Moment sensor-based port of the control loop. It can also be used to implement automatic in-field verification of joint torque sensor calibration gain and zero-offset.
• the gravity compensation torque command g( ⁇ ) 280 depends on the overall exoskeleton and payload configuration in the presence of gravity, and the mass properties of the links and payload, interaction forces and moments between the exoskeleton and the ground, as well as the force-moment interactions between the operator and the exoskeleton.
• ⁇ f i ltered 290 is a low-pass filtered force and moment vector measured by the right or left foot force-moment sensor, and is used as an input parameter for the control system.
• some non-linear, dynamically adjusted low-pass filter parameters are used. Many different implementations of this concept are possible.
• m p g ⁇ oot 270 is a quantity that is close to the weight of the operator in the right or left foot force-moment sensor frame of reference. In the case of arms, pelvis, or back-mounted load cells, this value is generally set to zero or another desired targeted force-moment (e.g., a value that may result in a forward push exerted by the exoskeleton on the person).
• SL 300 and SR 310 are scaling factors that are used to compute the desired force between the exoskeleton and the operator that must be used by the computational means.
• Several different functions may be used for this purpose and a few examples used to control exoskeleton are described below.
• the left foot and right foot weight distribution factors, S L 300 and S R 310, respectively, are computed using the foot sensors to provide a metric for scaling joint torques, depending on which foot is on the ground or, if both feet are on the ground, the relative weighting of each foot.
• the simple calculation described below consists of taking the respective signed foot sensor reading (positive means a force pushing in the direction of gravity) and dividing it by the sum of both left and right signed foot sensor readings. If the value goes negative (such as when lifting the foot faster than the machine can respond), then it is set equal to zero. If the value becomes greater than positive one, then it is set equal to one. For example, when S L equals 1 and S R equals zero, the person is standing on his left foot and the right foot is raised.
• SL and SR A number of functions having the characteristics described above may be used to the compute scaling factors: SL and SR.
• the component of the force along the x-axis measured in the sensor frame of reference corresponds with the orientation of the gravity vector in the foot frame of reference.
• the scaling factor for the desired component of the force sensed by the force moment sensors can be estimated using the signed value of the component of the force measured by the right and left foot sensors along the gravity vector measured in the frame of reference of the foot sensors.
• the unit gravity vector, g imu g ⁇ mil /
• , is the inertial measurement unit (IMU) coordinate system expressed in the foot sensor frame of reference using the rotation matrices evaluated. This vector depends on the robot kinematics chain and robot joint angles. The gravity vector computation is shown above for the left and right legs in equations 4 and 5, respectively.
• the force component used to calculate the scaling factors S L and SR can be obtained in a way similar to that described by the set of equations defined above, but where scalar F x L and F x R are replaced by, Fj E L g L and Fj E R g R , respectively, where F P E. L and F PE,R are the three components of the force between the person and the exoskeleton in the left and right foot sensor frame of reference respectively.
• F P E. L and F PE,R are the three components of the force between the person and the exoskeleton in the left and right foot sensor frame of reference respectively.
• the same result can be obtained if we expressed the gravity vector in the pelvis frame of reference and also expressed the interaction force in the pelvis frame of reference.
• Two series of feedback gain matrices can be used in the embodiment described in this disclosure. These are the sense K, Ks 320 and the Force-Moment feedback gain matrix Kp 330.
• the sense-K and the Force-Moment feedback matrices are diagonal.
• the elements of the diagonal of Ks 320 are equal to zero or are substantially equal in value.
• the characteristics of the sense-K feedback gain matrix basically allow the control system to be activated or turned off (e.g., when the element is zero) and a global gain scalar value to be applied.
• the Force-Moment gain matrix is diagonal. However, all elements of the diagonal may have significantly different values.
• a sliding gains scheme in order to optimize device stability and power, a sliding gains scheme may be implemented.
• High gains are desired for effortless mobility and object manipulation. Used for non-load bearing portions of the system. However, high gains result in poor power.
• Low gains are desired to prevent instability under heavy payloads, used for the load bearing portions of the system. Low gains, however result in decreased mobility and velocity.
• a sliding-gain algorithm can be implemented to compute the control gains, as follows:
• the slidegain for the left leg is shown above in equation 6.
• a similar expression (S L replaced by S R ) may be used for the right leg.
• Thresh is a value beyond which the gain is constant, and ⁇ can be a small number of the order of 10 '3 to 10 *6 .
• One example whereby the sliding gains scheme can be implemented includes sensing a change in the controlling interface force status relationship wherein displacement of the robotic device is desired. Thereafter, the system locks a non-moving load bearing portion of the exoskeleton and unlocks a moving non load bearing portion of the exoskeleton.
• the control system computes a joint rotational force of the unlocked non load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton required to restore the previously sensed controlling interface force status relationship including gravitational forces.
• the system also computes a joint rotational force of the locked load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton required to ensure the exoskeleton force on the human body is zero.
• the control system generates and transmits a signal to the actuator component of the device and displaces the unlocked non load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton at the computed joint rotational forces. It also actuates the displacement device coupled to the exoskeleton to maintain the computed joint rotational force in the locked load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton.
• the degree to which the joints of the exoskeleton are locked or unlocked is a function of the calculated gains discussed above.
• the final calculated torque ⁇ d 220 is utilized to calculate the desired robotic joint velocity ⁇ d 340 and desire joint position ⁇ d 350 relative to the calculated velocity gain K v 360 and position gain K p 370. Said values are then transmitted to the central control unit 160 of the robotic system 100 and implemented in order to maintain a controlling interface force status relationship between the sensors and the extremities of the human body.
• the present invention can be used in any number of applications that require strength, stamina, and precision enhancement without tethering the operator to a stationary power or control source.
• a method for enabling a wearable human exoskeleton to move in concert with movement of the human body comprises the steps of donning a human exoskeleton and sensing a force status between a plurality of force sensors coupled to the exoskeleton and a contact location near the extremities of the human body. Additionally, the method comprises computing a direction of gravity relative to a portion of the exoskeleton and manually adjusting an exoskeleton human-force response value. Further, the method comprises displacing a portion of the human body relative to the force sensors and sensing a change in the force status.
• the method also comprises locking a non-moving load bearing portion of the exoskeleton, unlocking a moving non load bearing portion of the exoskeleton, computing a joint rotational force of the unlocked non load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton required to restore the force status including gravitational forces, computing a joint rotational force of the locked load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton required to ensure the exoskeleton force on the human body is zero, and generating a signal comprised of at least the calculated joint rotational forces.
• the method comprises transmitting said signal to an actuator system coupled to said exoskeleton and actuating a displacement device coupled to the exoskeleton in response to said signal to displace the unlocked non load bearing portion of the exoskeleton at the computed joint rotational forces. Furthermore, the method comprises actuating the displacement device coupled to the exoskeleton in response to said signal to maintain the computed joint rotational force in the locked load-bearing portion of the exoskeleton and repeating the above steps to mimic movement of the human body.

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• 2007
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