Pneumatic Joint Design for Enhancing Spacesuit Flexibility

Ikema, Kengo; Gubarevich, Anna V.; Odawara, Osamu

doi:10.1061/(asce)as.1943-5525.0000267

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Then flat-pattern joints with soft pleats were introduced into EMU seeking for a larger range of motion and lower resistance torque [9]. For the same purpose, many novel structures were investigated for advanced spacesuit systems, such as pleated isotensoid joint [10][11], origami-inspired joint [12], and even rigid joints with multi bearing structures [13][14][15]. Nevertheless, for torsional motion, airtight bearings have been the only structures reported in public up to now.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Torsional Pneumatic Joint for Spacesuit Inspired with Origami Structure

Shang

Yang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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For exploration of the deep space destinations like the planetary surfaces, one of the most significant challenges is the performance of the spacesuit system. Aimed at improving safety and flexibility for the human-suit system during extravehicular activities (EVAs), a novel torsional pneumatic joint (TP joint) is proposed inspired with origami structure, overcoming the defects of traditional airtight bearings. Geometry of the TP joint is designed with Kresling crease pattern at first. To study the mechanical property of the TP joint, a basic structure of two layers is abstracted and analyzed with the energy method and nonlinear finite element method. According to analysis, the constitution of resistance torque is discussed and two influence factors of material rigidness and air pressure are investigated. As the inner pressure becomes large, the inflatable structure is unstable and tends to swell asymmetrically. Meanwhile, based on an eight-layer prototype joint, torsional and bending tests are conducted under inner pressure to examine the mobility of the joint. Results show that the prototype joint can be twisted to a range of 40°in one direction, and the torque is much smaller than the critical buckling torque of a pneumatic tube. Besides, the prototype joint also equips the bending function with a relatively low torque as an ordinary soft spacesuit joint. Thereby, the proposed TP joint can realized the torsional operations and has the potential to function as rigid bearings. Besides, the TP joint can be designed as a multi-degree joint to provide more mobility for the spacesuit system.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Torsional Pneumatic Joint for Spacesuit Inspired with Origami Structure

Shang

Yang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…The mechanical counter pressure schemes [5,6] and some relevant joint structures have high requirements in terms of materials, and they can only achieve partial pressure protection. The pneumatic joint structures [7] have good joint mobility, but the structures are bloated, resulting in a large deviation from the theoretical isotensive solid surface. The pleated isotensoid joint structure [8], that is, the partial surface of the isotensive body, referring to the folded layout of the flat pleated joint, has good mobility and adaptability.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptive Neural Network Control with Fuzzy Compensation for Upper Limb Exoskeleton in Active Spacesuit

Dai

Tang

2021

Electronics

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In order to meet the maneuverability requirements of spacesuits for future manned planetary exploration, the concept of an active spacesuit based on the joint-assisted exoskeleton technology is presented. First, by studying the kinematic characteristics of the operator wearing the simulated spacesuit in different gravity environments, we developed a prototype of the upper limb exoskeleton. Then, the resistance moment of the simulated spacesuit was roughly obtained to match the operator’s motion range, being utilized to design the resistance moment model. Considering the unknown resistance moment effects in the active spacesuit and the uncertainties of the exoskeleton’s dynamics model, an adaptive neural network control with fuzzy compensation was developed to drive the upper limb exoskeleton’s tracking desired trajectories. Experimental studies were carried out using an upper limb exoskeleton to illustrate that the proposed method has excellent trajectory tracking performance and good adaptive ability to the gravity environment changes.

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Advanced Materials for Future Lunar Extravehicular Activity Space Suit

Weiß

Mohamed

Gobert

et al. 2020

Adv Materials Technologies

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This review focuses on advanced materials already used and suitable for application in (future) lunar extravehicular activity space suits. A historical and current literature/market survey is presented. Different functional layers of an astronaut garment are defined with emphasis on the external layers subjected to abrasive action of lunar regolith and degradation via exposure to space radiation/vacuum environment. Requirements are defined that would need to be fulfilled by these layers and suitable materials candidates are reviewed based on their key properties, including mechanical durability. Smart materials, combining additional functionalities, such as garment health monitoring, are also considered. The lead topic is the subject of an ongoing ESA‐funded research activity.

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Pneumatic Joint Design for Enhancing Spacesuit Flexibility

Cited by 6 publications

References 10 publications

A Torsional Pneumatic Joint for Spacesuit Inspired with Origami Structure

A Torsional Pneumatic Joint for Spacesuit Inspired with Origami Structure

Adaptive Neural Network Control with Fuzzy Compensation for Upper Limb Exoskeleton in Active Spacesuit

Advanced Materials for Future Lunar Extravehicular Activity Space Suit

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