Design and Evaluation of a Flexible Exoskeleton for Lifting

A flexible and passive exoskeleton is presented in this paper. The exoskeleton uses carbon fiber beams to provide an energetic return to its wearer and relieve their lower back muscles. The design of the exoskeleton and potential elastic mechanisms are described, and the results of biomechanical testing are given. The exoskeleton decreased the erector spinae muscle activity by 21-39.7%.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering Mechanics

Department dc:contributor.department

Engineering Science and Mechanics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Beauchamp, Sarah Emily

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Asbeck, Alan T.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Nussbaum, Maury A.
• Queen, Robin M.

• exoskeleton
• passive
• lifting
• biomechanics

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:14491

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/95965