Exploring Fit of Commercially Available Passive Exoskeletons
Open Access
Author:
Palfey, Benjamin
Area of Honors:
Mechanical Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Matt Parkinson, Thesis Supervisor Bo Cheng, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
passive exoskeleton anthropometry Virtual Fit Tool ergonomics accommodation
Abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to develop guidelines for effective exoskeleton sizing. It examines
current exoskeleton fitting processes and their relative effectiveness in the context of data on
user body dimensions. Three commercially available passive exoskeletons (Laevo, Paexo Back,
BackX) are assessed for accommodation using data from the ANSUR II survey for populations
of men, women, combined 50% men 50% women, and combined 71% men 29% women using a
Virtual Fit Tool. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, the Virtual Fit Tool is also employed
to assess design alterations of the passive exoskeletons in efforts to accommodate more individuals
in a combined 50% male 50% female population. It is found that non-adjustable features dis-accommodate
the most individuals in a population. Relying on ”one-size-fits-most” models also
dis-accommodates large portions of the population, despite exploiting highly adjustable features
like straps and belts. Designing small, medium, and large size variations for each exoskeleton allows
greater total accommodation, particularly increasing accommodations for rigid features that
are inherently non-adjustable.
