Exosuit system
First Claim
1. A method for body augmentation, comprising:
- coupling a programmable body augmentation system to a human body, wherein the programmable body augmentation system comprises;
(a) one or more flexible linear actuators, wherein the one or more flexible linear actuators are operable to apply forces between segments of the human body such that the forces applied by the one or more flexible linear actuators augment forces applied by musculature in the human body;
(b) one or more clutched-compliance elements, wherein the one or more clutched-compliance elements are operable to provide controllable levels of compliance between segments of the human body; and
(c) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to execute computer-readable programs to operate the one or more flexible linear actuators to apply forces between segments of the human body and to operate the clutched-compliance elements to provide controlled levels of compliance between segments of the human body in a plurality of different ways to provide a plurality of different modes of operation;
selecting one of the modes of operation; and
performing one or more actions of the human body related to the selected mode of operation while the controller operates the one or more flexible linear actuators to apply forces to the human body and operate the one or more clutched-compliance elements to provide levels of compliance between segments of the human body related to the one or more actions.
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Abstract
A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for body augmentation, comprising:
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coupling a programmable body augmentation system to a human body, wherein the programmable body augmentation system comprises; (a) one or more flexible linear actuators, wherein the one or more flexible linear actuators are operable to apply forces between segments of the human body such that the forces applied by the one or more flexible linear actuators augment forces applied by musculature in the human body; (b) one or more clutched-compliance elements, wherein the one or more clutched-compliance elements are operable to provide controllable levels of compliance between segments of the human body; and (c) a controller, wherein the controller is configured to execute computer-readable programs to operate the one or more flexible linear actuators to apply forces between segments of the human body and to operate the clutched-compliance elements to provide controlled levels of compliance between segments of the human body in a plurality of different ways to provide a plurality of different modes of operation; selecting one of the modes of operation; and performing one or more actions of the human body related to the selected mode of operation while the controller operates the one or more flexible linear actuators to apply forces to the human body and operate the one or more clutched-compliance elements to provide levels of compliance between segments of the human body related to the one or more actions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for body augmentation, comprising:
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providing a programmable body augmentation system, wherein the programmable body augmentation system comprises; (a) a flexible suit configured to worn over at least a portion of a human body; (b) a plurality of body-augmentation elements coupled to the flexible suit in a particular physical arrangement, the body-augmentation elements including one or more flexible linear actuators and one or more clutched-compliance elements, wherein the one or more clutched-compliance elements are operable to provide controllable levels of compliance between segments of the human body, and wherein the one or more clutched-compliance elements are operable to provide controllable levels of compliance between segments of the human body; (c) a controller disposed in the flexible suit, wherein the controller can be programmed to control the forces applied by the one or more flexible linear actuators and the compliance provided by the clutched-compliance elements; enabling a first mode of operation of the programmable body augmentation system, wherein the first mode of operation involves the one or more flexible linear actuators applying forces and the one or more clutched-compliance elements providing compliances related to a first type of action of the human body, and wherein enabling the first mode of operation of the programmable body augmentation system comprises programming the controller based on the first mode of operation without changing the particular physical arrangement of body-augmentation elements; and enabling a second mode of operation of the programmable body augmentation system, wherein the second mode of operation involves the one or more flexible linear actuators applying forces and the one or more clutched-compliance elements providing compliances related to a second type of action of the human body, wherein the second type of action is different than the first type of movement, and wherein enabling the second mode of operation of the programmable body augmentation system comprises programming the controller based on the second mode of operation without changing the particular physical arrangement of body-augmentation elements. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification