Introduction:
Paralysis due to physical injury or disease is a systemic and debilitating condition. Data from the Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation suggest that approximately 1.9% of Americans suffer from some form of paralysis (paralysis, 2014). This loss of freedom is not limited to the patient and can have a marked effect on their loved ones as well. The exoskeleton is designed to restore both the mobility and self-sufficiency of the wearer. The basic idea for an extra skeletal lower-limb support system can be traced back to the 1890’s. However, it wasn't until 1971 - with the birth of General Electric’s Hardiman - that the premise was modernized with the incorporation of electrically powered components (Dollar, 2008). Later still was …show more content…
The exoskeleton needs to be capable of producing zero to high-assistive torque and at the same time yielding to human interaction torques (Beyl, 2014). The way this is done is with the use of a high-performance actuator systems which are compliant (Beyl,2014). In other terms the actuator must be able to anticipate the movements and forces that our bodies would normally do for us subconsciously. If the exoskeleton did not create a fluid and natural like movement then the exoskeleton may have adverse effects on the …show more content…
The lower body exoskeleton has many different possible innovations that can be applied to it, such as a self-learning modification, a more flexible exoskeleton, and a smaller and lighter material used to produce the exoskeleton. In connection to the Grand Challenge of reverse engineering the brain, connecting the exoskeleton to an interface in one’s brain would allow the exoskeleton to adapt and act exactly how the patient’s lower body is supposed to operate. This self-learning exoskeleton that is connected to one’s brain would have a great use in the medical field for any patients in need of lower limb rehabilitation for any reason or injury. (Low K H, 2006) There are many different materials, such as metals or plastics that can be used to make an exoskeleton, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. For example, carbon fiber would be a great material for the exoskeleton to be made of. The carbon fiber is extremely light and very rigid to add durability, but it would cost a lot more than some other materials, such as plastic. Most of the current exoskeletons are made of steel or aluminum simply because these materials are inexpensive and easy to mold (Bogue, 2009). But the problem with steel is that it can be much too heavy and cause fatigue in a patient. Aluminum is lighter and would be a much better choice for a lower limb rehabilitation type of exoskeleton.