The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes dual spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure. The dual spools of the pressure control valve, although physically independent of one another, function in cooperation with one another in an attempt to maintain a state of equilibrium in the system, namely to keep pressure acting on or within the actuator (the load pressure), or the feedback force corresponding to the load pressure, the same as the control or pilot pressure. Moreover, pressure regulation and control is intrinsic to the pressure control valve because of the configuration and function of the dual spools and the mechanical feedback system acting on the spools, thus eliminating the need for electronically or mechanically user controlled systems.

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A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.

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Exoskeletons are a new class of articulated mechanical systems whose performance is realized while in intimate contact with the human user. The overall performance depends on many factors including selection of architecture, device, parameters and the nature of the coupling to the human, offering numerous challenges to design-evaluation and refinement. In this paper, we discuss merger of techniques from the musculoskeletal analysis and simulation-based design to study and analyze the performance of such exoskeletons. A representative example of a simplified exoskeleton interacting with and assisting the human arm is used to illustrate principal ideas. Overall, four different case-scenarios are developed and examined with quantitative performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and allow for design refinement. The results show that augmentation by way of the exoskeleton can lead to a significant reduction in muscle loading.

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Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

В США компания Lockheed Martin по контракту с армией получила 1,1 млн. долл. на создание новейших автоматических экзоскелетов и оценку в этом году новой версии экзоскелета HULC, предназначенных для увеличения силы и выносливости солдат, а также снижения рисков получения различных травм.

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Категория: HULC | 1 Комментарий »

Ученые из Shibaura Institute of Technology представили очередную разработку Close-Fitting Walking Aid,как альтернативу сегодняшним костылям и инвалидным коляскам. Это не настолько масштабная машина, как, допустим, новозеландский Rex, но все же очень неплохо. По сути, это набор скоб, связанных поршнями и электронными приводами, которые делают ноги сильнее.

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Категория: Продвижение | Нет комментариев »