Low-volume inflatable actuator composites for wearable applications and portable pneumatic source

Abstract

Systems and methods for a wearable exoskeleton include an inflatable actuator with a reduced operation volume for faster operation. The inflatable actuator may include a first paddle connectable to the human body, a second paddle connectable to the human body, and an inflatable fabric coupled between the first paddle and the second paddle. In response to the inflatable fabric being filled with compressed air, the rigidity of the inflatable fabric increases, causing the angle between the first paddle and the second paddle to change to provide an assistive force for a movement of the human body. A portable pneumatic source is provided for quickly supplying a compressed air to the inflatable actuator. The portable pneumatic source may include a double acting piston and a cylinder defining a first chamber and a second chamber, and a valve assembly, for compressing air at both the upstroke and downstroke of the piston.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.