Shoe-Like Unpowered Exoskeleton With Energy Harvesting for Enhanced Walking Economy

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Robotics
• Human Augmentation Technologies
• Energy Harvesting Systems

Background:

• Exoskeletons aim to improve walking efficiency but are often heavy and conspicuous.
• Existing designs face power and aesthetic limitations for widespread adoption.
• Understanding gait mechanics is key to developing effective assistive devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an unpowered, shoe-like exoskeleton for enhanced walking efficiency.
• To investigate energy harvesting from gait mechanics for propulsion assistance.
• To evaluate the device's effectiveness and user impact during walking.

Main Methods:

• Developed an unpowered exoskeleton using a single-slider crank mechanism, ratchet, and springs.
• Integrated a walking-phase sensing trigger for energy harvesting.
• Conducted walking experiments on level and inclined surfaces to assess energy expenditure, physiological responses, and gait parameters.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 7.77% reduction in energy expenditure during level walking.
• Observed decreased heart rate and plantar flexor muscle activity on level terrain.
• Found reduced but still beneficial effects on slopes, with varied muscle activity responses.

Conclusions:

• The unpowered, shoe-like exoskeleton effectively reduces energy consumption during level walking.
• The device offers a discreet solution for gait assistance.
• Effectiveness is diminished on slopes, indicating areas for future improvement.