Shape synthesis of an assistive knee exoskeleton device to support knee joint and rehabilitate gait.

PURPOSE: The assistive knee exoskeleton device is used for supporting the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the injured knee joint. Various knee exoskeletons have been discussed; however, their shape synthesis is not reported. This study aims to present the shape synthesis of the assistive knee device. Moreover, four-bar linkage is used for the knee exoskeleton, in this study.

METHODS: Clinical biomechanical data are adapted from gait database for one gait cycle. Using the clinical gait data, position and static force analyses are performed to obtain a set of orientations and unknown forces. Simultaneously, CAD models are prepared, and the obtained forces are applied to the CAD models of the four-bar linkage knee exoskeleton. Consequently, the threshold is obtained for each component of the knee exoskeleton and the unwanted material below the threshold is removed.

RESULTS: A reduction of 45% in the peak actuating force is observed in comparison with the literature. Besides, a total reduction of 21% in the mass of four-bar knee exoskeleton is observed in contrast to the base models when shape synthesis is performed.

CONCLUSIONS: An assistive knee exoskeleton is developed using the shape synthesis methodology in which four-bar linkage is used. New shapes of thigh and shank attachments are obtained. The developed knee exoskeleton can be used by persons with the injured knee for supporting the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Besides, control technology can be implemented to make it useful for persons with monoplegia. Implications for rehabilitation Assistive knee exoskeleton devices proved to be an important tool for providing support to injured knee joints. Typically single axis joints are observed in the lower limb exoskeletons which can be replaced with linkage mechanisms to obtain the desired range of motion. In this study, four-bar linkages are used for the knee exoskeleton in which cranks and rockers are connected to the lateral and medial sides of the knee joint, for connecting shank and thigh attachments. Shape synthesis is performed on the components of four-bar exoskeleton through the evaluated reaction forces. The components are assembled to form an assistive knee exoskeleton which can be used by any person with injured knee joint.