Design and Test of a Full-Scale Wearable Exoskeletal Structure
Abstract
One of the purposes of fabricating and testing a full-size, wearable, non-amplifying exoskeletal structure was to determine if it is feasible to surround a person by such a device. Results of tests offer evidence that, first, the motion restrictuons caused by the exoskeleton are slight, and second, the performance of the subject is reduced only slightly by the restrictions. Consequently, it is concluded that it is feasible to surround a person with an exoskeletal device, as constructed. Throughout the tests conducted certain exoskeletal joints were not used. These joints were: (1) the exoskeletal joint that permits wrist flexion, (2) the exoskeletal joint that permits wrist ulnar and radial rotation, and (3) the exoskeletal joint that permits ankle abduction and adduction. During all tests conducted the subject either did not use the above motions, or he was able to perform equally well with the motion prevented. Consequently, it is concluded that future powered exoskeletal structures should not contain the above joints unless, due to a specific prospective application, it is necessary to do so. The experimental data recorded represent typical tasks that would be performed with a powered exoskeletal device. Therefore, it is recommended that the data presented in this report in regard to motion ranges, velocities and accelerations at exoskeletal joints be used as design criteria for the powered Man Amplifier.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0736259
Entities
People
- Neil J. Mizen
Organizations
- Calspan