A Topology Optimization Method for Robot Light-Weight Design under Multi-Working Conditions and Its Application on Upper-Limb Powered Exoskeleton

Sha, Liansen; Lin, Andi; Xi, Qiang; Kuang, Shaolong

doi:10.1109/aiea51086.2020.00011

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…In order to further improve the weight savings in the final exosuit design, methods such as Topology Optimization can be used to reduce the total weight of the exosuit even further, as evidenced in studies such as [16,17]. Such weight optimizations improve wearability and user comfort, as the user has to bear lesser loads from the self-weight of the exosuit, further delaying fatigue.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design, Control, and Assessment of a Synergy-Based Exosuit for Patients with Gait-Associated Pathologies

et al. 2023

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With ever-rising population comes a corresponding rise in people with mobility issues who have difficulty handling tasks in their daily lives. Such persons could benefit significantly from an active movement assistance device. This paper presents the design of a lower-limb exosuit designed to provide the wearer with useful gait assistance. While exoskeletons have existed for a while, soft exoskeletons or exosuits are relatively new. One challenge in the design of a gait-assistance device is the reduction of device weight. In order to facilitate this, the concept of kinematic synergies is implemented to reduce the number of actuators. In this prototype, the exosuit can actuate the hip, ankle, and knee of both legs using just one single motor, and a transmission system consisting of gears and clutches. The implementation of these synergies and their advantages are detailed in this paper, as well as preliminary tests to assess performance. This was performed by testing the exosuit worn by a subject on a treadmill while taking EMG readings and measuring cable tension produced. Significant reductions by up to 35% in certain muscle activations were observed, demonstrating the validity of this prototype for gait assistance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%