Design of a compact wearable arm support utilizing shape optimized shell mechanisms: To be worn underneath the surgical gown

Passive exoskeletons that support the weight of the surgeon’s arms could yield a significant ergonomic improvement in the Laparoscopic theatre. However, the cost and regulations associated with sterilization complicates adoption of such devices. In this work a compact passive arm support mechanism is designed that can be worn underneath the...

Ergonomic Exoskeleton Synthesis: Application to a Wearable Passive Exoskeleton for the Shoulder

The human machine-interface is more important than ever in the field of exoskeletons. Current design approaches lack a way of systematically designing the ergonomics of exoskeletons. Methods with a more pro active approach to ergonomics have to be developed. This thesis extends existing methods by which self aligning mechanisms are created with...

Synthesis of a Force Generator using Two-Fold Tape Loops

Normal linear springs have spring characteristics that are often too simplistic for complex applications. For instance in balancing applications, constant force or negative stiffness mechanisms are required. A tape loop, which consists of a two-fold tape spring, is a compliant shell mechanism which can act as a force generator with theoretically...