- #1
BrianSum
- 3
- 0
Hey All,
I've been a long time viewer of these forums but only just joined because I'd like to get some other viewpoints. For one of my biomechatronics assignments, I was asked to design an active knee exoskeleton for assembly and use in the developing world.
I've already conducted a literature review and although there are many papers out there about the pros and cons of various actuator types (whether they be electric motors, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic artificial muscles, MR fluids, etc.), there doesn't seem to be much in the form of cheap and readily available technology for the Third World. My question to you is: can you think of any technology that would be suitable for the design of such an exoskeleton?
A few ideas that have come to mind for the actuator are a series of bicycle pumps, however I'm not sure that these would generate sufficient power to function a full knee exoskeleton. Other possibilities included old scooter or motorcycle motors. As far as power sources are concerned, old batteries from power tools could be used, while I have no real idea about control-feedback mechanisms such as sensors.
For the exoskeleton frame, raw materials such as wood, leather, etc would be obvious choices. Does anyone have any ideas as far as technology that could be used? My assignment asks for the inclusion of sketches, force and energy requirements and wiring diagram for control-feedback mechanisms.
Thanks!
I've been a long time viewer of these forums but only just joined because I'd like to get some other viewpoints. For one of my biomechatronics assignments, I was asked to design an active knee exoskeleton for assembly and use in the developing world.
I've already conducted a literature review and although there are many papers out there about the pros and cons of various actuator types (whether they be electric motors, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic artificial muscles, MR fluids, etc.), there doesn't seem to be much in the form of cheap and readily available technology for the Third World. My question to you is: can you think of any technology that would be suitable for the design of such an exoskeleton?
A few ideas that have come to mind for the actuator are a series of bicycle pumps, however I'm not sure that these would generate sufficient power to function a full knee exoskeleton. Other possibilities included old scooter or motorcycle motors. As far as power sources are concerned, old batteries from power tools could be used, while I have no real idea about control-feedback mechanisms such as sensors.
For the exoskeleton frame, raw materials such as wood, leather, etc would be obvious choices. Does anyone have any ideas as far as technology that could be used? My assignment asks for the inclusion of sketches, force and energy requirements and wiring diagram for control-feedback mechanisms.
Thanks!