Finite element analysis of lower limb exoskeleton during sit-to-stand transition

Abstract

There is an immense requirement of exoskeleton observed in recent years for applications stretching from rehabilitation to military. The availability of resources and modern technologies enabled the researchers to come up with numerous ideas for realization of exoskeleton. This study proposed a novel design of exoskeleton and performed a Ludwig von Mises stress analysis upon the model. 3D model of the proposed exoskeleton have been constructed and angles of hip, knee, and ankle joints are varied to represent different instances during sit-to-stand transition and stress analysis were performed for the models. Three materials have been chosen to realize the model and compared with the simulation results. Interpretation of stress distribution is established during the model subjects to a load. The peak Ludwig von Mises stress is observed at critical areas in the exoskeleton model, which envisages the possibility of fracture. The maximum stress of 22 MPa was perceived during the simulation. The research also claims the possibility of aluminum 1060 alloy for constructing an exoskeleton frame.

Keywords:

• Exoskeleton
• Ludwig von Mises stress
• finite element analysis
• sit-to-stand

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

We thank the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education, No. 8-38/RIFD/RPS-NDF/Policy-1/2018-19) for the financial support provided through Research Promotion Scheme for this research work.