Exoskeleton for Knee Arthritis Patients

Abstract

Nearly 23 percent of the US adult population suffers from arthritis and patients of knee arthritis find it extremely painful to sit down or stand from a sitting position. In this research paper I have endeavoured to design a total knee support exoskeleton to assist people suffering from knee arthritis. High torque DC and servo motors were used in the model which can be controlled using a Bluetooth remote control or app. The choice of motors was based on the torque that is borne by the knee when the leg or thigh move. The model lends support to both the thigh and the lower leg and helps in motion of sitting, standing and lying down. The present model has been developed keeping in mind considerations of portability, affordability and commercial viability. The model has been conceptualized after making calculations on torque about the knee, and successfully reduces the metabolic cost of moving the leg or thigh. This exoskeleton will assist a wide population being lightweight, portable, and affordable and uses electrical parts to maximize the reduction in torque.