Low Profile Exoskeleton

摘要

A mobility enhancing device in the form of an exoskeleton provides mobility assistance or enhancement to a user within the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton may include a torso support and two leg supports coupled to the torso support. Each leg support may include a hip joint, a knee joint, a foot module, and panels connecting the torso support to the hip joints, the hip joints to the knee joints, and the knee joints to the foot modules. Actuators such as motors may be positioned in a discrete location on exoskeleton away from the relatively bulky knee and hip joints to provide for a low profile of the exoskeleton, which may allow the exoskeleton to be worn inconspicuously under a user's clothing.

主权项

1. A mobility assistive device comprising:
a torso support; a hip joint; a knee joint; a foot support; a first structure coupling the torso support to the hip joint; a second structure coupling the hip joint to the knee joint; a third structure coupling the knee joint to the foot support; and a compartment having a hip joint actuation device and a knee joint actuation device, wherein the hip joint actuation device is operably coupled to the hip joint, the hip joint actuation device configured to drive both flexion and extension of the hip joint; and wherein the knee joint actuation device is operably coupled to the knee joint, the knee joint actuation device configured to drive both flexion and extension of the hip joint.