Flexible sliding frame for gait enhancing mechatronic system (GEMS)

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Gait enhancing systems require comfortable and effective thigh support.
• Existing thigh frames may cause discomfort or inefficient torque transmission.
• A need exists for adaptable structures that integrate seamlessly with wearer biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel flexible sliding thigh frame for mechatronic gait assistance.
• To analyze the mechanics and stiffness characteristics of the 3D flexible frame.
• To evaluate the performance of the frame integrated into a gait enhancing system.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a two-layered, selectively flexible and stiff 3D thigh frame.
• Analysis of the frame's basic mechanics and stiffness properties.
• Integration of the frame into a mechatronic gait system and experimental validation.

Main Results:

• The flexible sliding thigh frame demonstrates adaptability to the wearer's thigh.
• The frame effectively transmits assisting torque while minimizing joint loading.
• Simulations and experimental results confirm the mechanism's performance.

Conclusions:

• The novel flexible thigh frame is a viable component for gait enhancing mechatronic systems.
• The design allows for improved comfort and functional performance in assistive devices.
• This approach offers a promising solution for optimizing torque delivery in wearable robotics.