A New Parallel Actuated Architecture for Exoskeleton Applications Involving Multiple Degree-of-Freedom Biological Joints

The purpose of this work is to introduce a new parallel actuated exoskeleton architecture that can be used for multiple degree-of-freedom (DoF) biological joints. This is done in an effort to provide a better alternative for the augmentation of these joints than serial actuation. The new design can be described as a type of spherical parallel manipulator (SPM) that utilizes three 4 bar substructures to decouple and control three rotational DoFs. Four variations of the 4 bar spherical parallel manipulator (4B-SPM) are presented in this work. These include a shoulder, hip, wrist, and ankle exoskeleton. Also discussed are three different methods of actuation for the 4B-SPM, which can be implemented depending on dynamic performance requirements. This work could assist in the advancement of a future generation of parallel actuated exoskeletons that are more effective than their contemporary serial actuated counterparts.