{
  "patent_number": "US 12734676",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Exoskeletons Stay Safe by Detecting Faulty Sensors",
  "original_title": "Sensor suite discrepancy detection system for safe operation of an exoskeleton",
  "summary": "This patent describes a system for exoskeletons that detects when a sensor might be faulty by comparing its readings with other sensors, then switches to a backup and activates a safety mode to prevent harm.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent describes an exoskeleton with a system to ensure safe operation by detecting sensor problems. It works by comparing the data from a user-operated force moment sensor with at least one torque sensor located in a joint mechanism. If the system identifies a discrepancy between these sensor readings, it can then recruit a substitute sensor from a backup group. After identifying the issue and recruiting a new sensor, a controller activates a specific safety mode and takes a remedial measure to keep the exoskeleton user safe. For example, if a torque sensor in an elbow joint reports zero force while the user's hand sensor shows a strong grip, the system might detect a discrepancy, switch to a backup torque sensor, and then reduce the arm's power to prevent uncontrolled movement.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover exoskeleton safety systems that do not compare output data from at least two different types of sensors, like a force moment sensor and a torque sensor.",
    "Does not cover safety systems that only detect sensor failure without recruiting a substitute sensor from a predefined group.",
    "Does not cover exoskeletons that implement safety measures without first identifying a discrepancy between specific sensor types.",
    "Does not cover general mechanical failures in an exoskeleton that are not related to sensor output discrepancies.",
    "Does not cover safety protocols that do not involve executing a 'remedial measure' associated with a 'safety mode'."
  ],
  "filed": "2023-06-09",
  "granted": "2026-09-15",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": null,
  "holder_url": null,
  "inventors": [],
  "times_cited": 0,
  "tags": [
    "robotics",
    "medical_devices",
    "wearable_technology",
    "software",
    "mechanical"
  ],
  "abstract": "An exoskeleton comprising a plurality of support structures, and a plurality of joint mechanisms each joint mechanism rotatably coupling at least two of the plurality of support structures. A sensor discrepancy detection system can be operable to compare sensor output data from a user operated force moment sensor and at least one torque sensor of a joint mechanism. A controller can be configured to recruit at least one substitute sensor from a first sensor group of based on an identified discrepancy between the sensor output data and to execute a remedial measure associated with a safety mode of the exoskeleton for safe operation of the exoskeleton.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734676/sensor-suite-discrepancy-detection-system-for-safe-operation-of-an-exoskeleton",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734676/sensor-suite-discrepancy-detection-system-for-safe-operation-of-an-exoskeleton/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734676",
  "relatedPatents": [
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      "countryCode": "US",
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    },
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  ]
}