Investigations into the Form and Design of an Elbow Exoskeleton Using Additive Manufacturing

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorXu, Shangen
dc.contributor.committeechairLeonessa, Alexanderen
dc.contributor.committeememberHauptman, Jonasen
dc.contributor.committeememberAsbeck, Alan T.en
dc.contributor.departmentMechanical Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2021-05-06T08:00:36Zen
dc.date.available2021-05-06T08:00:36Zen
dc.date.issued2021-05-05en
dc.description.abstractThe commercial exoskeletons are often heavy and bulky, thus reducing the weight and simplifying the form factor becomes a critical task. This thesis details the process of designing and making a low-profile, cable-driven arm exoskeleton. Many advanced methods are explored: 3D scanning, generative design, soft material, compliant joint, additive manufacturing, and 3D latticing. The experiments on TPU kerf cut found that the stress-strain curve of the sample can be modified by changing the cut pattern, it is even possible to control the linear region. The TPU TPMS test showed that given the same volume, changing the lattice parameters can result in different bending stress-strain curves. This thesis also provides many prototypes, test data, and samples for future reference.en
dc.description.abstractgeneralWearing an exoskeleton should be easy and stress-free, but many of the available models are not ergonomic nor user-friendly. To make an exoskeleton that is inviting and comfortable to wear, various nontraditional methods are used. The arm exoskeleton prototype has a lightweight and ergonomic frame, the joints are soft and compact, the cable-driven system is safe and low-profile. This design also brings aesthetics to the exoskeleton which closes the gap between engineering and design.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:30295en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/103204en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectExoskeletonen
dc.subjectGenerative designen
dc.subject3D printingen
dc.subjectKerf cut jointen
dc.subjectSoft materialen
dc.subjectLatticeen
dc.titleInvestigations into the Form and Design of an Elbow Exoskeleton Using Additive Manufacturingen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineMechanical Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Xu_S_T_2021.pdf
Size:
3.66 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download

Collections

Masters Theses