Journal of Jilin University(Engineering and Technology Edition) ›› 2025, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (10): 3131-3140.doi: 10.13229/j.cnki.jdxbgxb.20231444

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Design and analysis of a multi-degree-of-freedom size-adjustable lower limb exoskeleton robot

Hai-tao DING(),Peng LIU,Jing-hua WANG,Tian-ci MA,Xing-yu XU,Ze-heng DENG   

  1. School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering,Changchun University of Science and Technology,Changchun 130022,China
  • Received:2024-03-26 Online:2025-10-01 Published:2026-02-03

Abstract:

To address the current problems of structural redundancy and poor human-machine compatibility in lower-limb exoskeletons, a multi-degree-of-freedom, size-adjustable lower-limb power-assist exoskeleton robot was designed with mechanical limit devices installed at each joint. The force, deformation, stress and resonance of the exoskeleton structure during walking were simulated by the finite-element method. A plantar-pressure-sensor system was used to collect and analyze the force distribution and its variation on the human sole. Lagrange’s equations were employed to establish the dynamic model of the exoskeleton leg, and the loads at every joint were solved. The experimental and analytical results were then taken as parameters of the joint drive functions to perform a dynamic simulation of the exoskeleton, yielding spline data of the exoskeleton motion. The obtained results provide a basis for the subsequent drive control of the robot and simultaneously verify the human–machine coordination and rationality of the proposed lower-limb power-assist exoskeleton.

Key words: lower limb exoskeleton, dynamic simulation, foot pressure, structural design

CLC Number: 

  • TP242

Fig.1

Schematic diagram of overall structure of lower limb exoskeleton"

Table 1

Main structural dimensions of exoskeletons"

机体结构骨骼比例可调尺寸/mm仿真尺寸/mm
髋-膝0.206H330~381360
膝-踝0.220H352~407385
0.190H304~351332

Table 2

Rotation range and limit protection for various degrees of freedom of exoskeleton"

关节自由度最大范围/(°)限位保护/(°)
髋关节伸展/弯曲140/-4590/-30
外展/内收60/-3030/-5
旋内/旋外50/-5030/-30
膝关节伸展/弯曲0/-150-5/-120
踝关节跖屈/背屈50/-3025/-35
外旋/内旋20/-4017/-5

Fig.2

Periodic diagram of human bipedal walking process"

Fig.3

Mesh division of ankle joint connectors"

Fig.4

Cloud map of exoskeleton displacement and deformation under different gaits"

Fig.5

Exoskeleton stress cloud map under different gaits"

Fig.6

Pressure sensor signal acquisition module and upper computer interface"

Fig.7

Plantar pressure variation curve"

Fig.8

Dynamic model of articulated robotic legs"

Fig.9

Hip joint torque variation curve"

Fig.10

Motion pairs of exoskeleton component"

Table 3

Contact parameters setting between exoskeleton sole and ground"

参数数值参数数值
刚度10 000静摩擦因数0.5
力指数2.2动摩擦因数0.5
阻尼5 000静平移速度100
穿透深度0.1摩擦平移速度1 000

Fig.11

Simulation diagram of exoskeleton walking process"

Fig.12

Changes in hip, knee, and ankle joint angles of the exoskeleton during one gait cycle"

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