Wearable knee assist device

Wearable knee assist device with reduced power consumption through link elasticity and geometric configuration

This technology is a wearable knee assist device that combines a link structure mounted on the wearer's lower limb with an actuator. It minimizes resistance during walking by overlapping the links and supports loads with minimal power during standing by utilizing the elasticity and mechanical geometric configuration of the links.

Conventional wearable knee assist devices rely entirely on motor drive, leading to high battery consumption, the need for frequent charging, and reduced operational efficiency due to battery capacity limitations.

By combining an actuator located at the joint with a variable-length link equipped with extension-direction elasticity, this technology eliminates actuator resistance in walking mode and minimizes torque load through the geometric configuration of the links in support mode. It is applicable to muscle strength assistance in industrial settings and gait support for the elderly, ensuring practicality for long-term wear without the burden of frequent charging.

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Key Features:

• Joint O positioned to correspond to the wearer's knee and Joint A positioned to correspond to the area below the knee
• Joint C positioned to correspond to the wearer's thigh and Joint B positioned at a distance behind the lower limb
• An actuator and Joint D configured to adjust the angle between link OC and link BC
• Link AB is designed with a variable length and elasticity in the extension direction to support loads