Support system for an atmospheric suit

A system for support of a user includes an atmospheric suit including a removable support structure, the support structure including a set of poles configured to be engaged with the atmospheric suit in a space environment, wherein each pole of the set of poles includes an attachment device, the attachment device configured to removably attach the pole to the atmospheric suit at a plurality of locations on the atmospheric suit.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of space exploration and, in particular, to a support system for an atmospheric suit.

Atmospheric suits provide a habitable environment for the wearer. For example, a space suit provides a habitable environment for an astronaut during space exploration, such as for an astronaut in an extraterrestrial environment (e.g., outside of a space craft or on the surface of a celestial body). One type of atmospheric suit is referred to as an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), which can be used, for example, in orbit or on the surface of a celestial body such as the moon or a planet. Various challenges can arise when exploring a surface. For example, atmospheric suits can restrict mobility and make it difficult to bend, sit, pick up objects and/or perform other movements. In addition, uneven terrain can contribute to mobility challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment, a system for support of a user includes an atmospheric suit including a removable support structure, the support structure including a set of poles configured to be engaged with the atmospheric suit in a space environment, wherein each pole of the set of poles includes an attachment device, the attachment device configured to removably attach the pole to the atmospheric suit at a plurality of locations on the atmospheric suit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the plurality of locations includes a first location at one of a glove portion and an arm portion of the atmospheric suit, and a second location that is different than the first location.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the set of poles are configured to provide support to the user, and the attachment device permits the user to control each pole, when each pole is attached to the atmospheric suit at the first location.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the attachment device is configured to permit unobstructed movement of the atmospheric suit when each pole is attached to the atmospheric suit at the second location.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the attachment device includes an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism is a handle strap, a mechanical attachment mechanism, a snap-on attachment mechanism, a clasp or a magnetic attachment mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, each pole is extendable and retractable between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including an extended position and a retracted position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the attachment device is disposed at a location of the pole proximate to a handle of the pole.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, at least one pole of the set of poles includes a pole attachment configured to removably attach the set of poles together.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, each pole of the set of poles includes a ground interface at an end of each pole.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the system includes a plurality of interchangeable ground interface attachments, each ground interface attachment removably attachable to the ground interface.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the attachment device is a first attachment device included in each pole of the set of poles, the first attachment device configured to be removably attached to first location at one of a glove portion and an arm portion of the atmospheric suit, and at least one pole of the set of poles includes a second attachment device configured to removably attach the pole to the atmospheric suit at a second location that is different than the first location.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, each pole is extendable and retractable between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including an extended position and a retracted position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the first attachment device is configured to be removably attached to the first location when each pole is in the extended position, and the second attachment device is configured to be removably attached at the second location when each pole is in the retracted position.

According to an embodiment, a method of supporting a user in an atmospheric suit includes engaging a set of poles with the atmospheric suit in a space environment, wherein each pole of the set of poles includes an attachment device, the attachment device configured to removably attach the pole to the atmospheric suit at a plurality of locations on the atmospheric suit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the plurality of locations includes a first location at one of a glove portion and an arm portion of the atmospheric suit, and a second location that is different than the first location.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, engaging the set of poles includes removably attaching each pole at the first location, providing support to the user by the set of poles, and permitting the user to control each pole.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, engaging the set of poles includes removably attaching the set of poles at the second location to permit unobstructed movement of the atmospheric suit.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, the attachment device includes an attachment mechanism selected from at least one of: a handle strap, a mechanical attachment mechanism, a snap-on attachment mechanism, a clasp and a magnetic attachment mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, each pole is extendable and retractable between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including an extended position and a retracted position.

In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, at least one pole of the set of poles includes a pole attachment configured to removably attach the set of poles together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods are provided for supporting and assisting a user (e.g., astronaut) of an atmospheric suit (e.g., EMU). An embodiment of a support system includes a single or set of poles configured to be removably attached to an atmospheric suit. The set of poles is designed to provide improved stability, load distribution, and reduced user fatigue for varying space environments and other environments for which an atmospheric suit is desired. The support system can also enhance mobility by providing support to the user and facilitating activities such as manipulating objects.

An embodiment of the support system includes an attachment device disposed at each pole. The attachment device may be used to removably attach each pole to one of a plurality of suit locations. In an embodiment, the attachment device can engage a first location (e.g., at or near a glove or arm portion of the suit), such that the user is able to control the poles and use the poles to support the user and facilitate various activities (e.g., extravehicular exploration of the surface of a celestial body). The attachment device can also engage a second location (e.g., a belt, a leg portion of the suit, a suit life support system, etc.) for storage of the poles when not in use. The attachment device may engage pre-existing features of the suit, or the support system may include one or more removable suit connection components that engage with the attachment device.

The poles may each include a telescoping mechanism or other feature to allow the poles to be moveable between various positions in order to extend or reduce the length of the poles. The poles may each include a ground interface that removably attaches to one of a plurality of ground interface attachments. The attachments are interchangeable so that the poles can be configured for different purposes (e.g., walking on various types of terrain, collecting samples, moving debris, etc.)

At least some embodiments described herein present a number of advantages and technical effects. The support system improves stability and reduces fatigue while also offering simple manufacturing and maintenance, as well as an intuitive design that requires minimal training, and multi-purpose use. In addition, the inclusion of various ground interface attachments allows the poles to be customized based on terrain for use to optimize stability, positioning, and object management. The poles can also attach and/or fold together in a way that allows for a temporary table or seating.

Embodiments detailed herein relate to support systems for an atmospheric suit. While an EMU and a space application are illustrated and discussed, in particular, for explanatory purposes, the components that are shown and discussed may also be applicable in underwater (e.g., in an atmospheric diving suit), earth-based (e.g., in a hazmat suit or contamination suit), high-altitude (e.g., in a flight suit), and sub-surface applications. Generally, a suit that includes a helmet and is supplied with oxygen to maintain a habitable environment is referred to as an atmospheric suit. The support systems described herein, according to one or more embodiments, may be used to provide support to a user of an atmospheric suit in any of these environments.

FIG.1depicts an example of a user (e.g., an astronaut) in an atmospheric suit10with a support system12according to one or more embodiments. The atmospheric suit10in this example is an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) designed for use in space environments, such as during extravehicular activities on the surface of the moon or other celestial body. As noted above, the support system is not limited to use with any specific type of atmospheric suit or environment.

The support system12is configured to support a user while standing, walking, or sitting, and serves as a platform for other uses (e.g., sampling, manipulation of objects, etc.). The support system12provides a wide variety of uses which include but are not limited to stabilizing, positioning, and grabbing for a multitude of activities and environments. For example, the support system12can be used to support the user while walking, help the user to transition from standing to sitting, and/or assist the user in getting up from a fall.

The support system12includes a set of poles14, each of which may be extendable and retractable between a retracted position (shown inFIGS.6and8) and an extended position as shown inFIG.1. The set of poles14may be made from any desired material, such as stainless steel, titanium, or high strength polymer materials. Each pole14includes a handle16, a first elongated member18, and at least one telescoping member20. Each pole14may include an automatic extension mechanism, such as a spring or hydraulic device, which can be actuated (e.g., by a trigger or other actuator at or near the handle16) by a user to extend or retract the pole14by extending or retracting the telescoping member(s)20.

The poles14can be extended and retracted according to any suitable mechanism. For example, each pole14can have any number of telescoping members (e.g., two or more telescoping members20that collapse into one another).

FIG.1shows the set of poles14in the extended position, in which each pole has a length such that the user can use the set of poles for additional support when walking or during other activities. For example, the extended length is selected so that a user can engage the surface on which the user is walking via a removable attachment to the handle16. The removable attachment may be accomplished via, for example, a suit interface30or32(shown inFIGS.3,4and6-9), or via the user grabbing or grasping the handle16.

In an embodiment, each pole14includes a ground interface22that may be removably attached to the end of the telescoping member20to facilitate engagement with the surface to help support the user. The ground interface22may be configured for various terrains and for other functions, such as collecting samples. In an embodiment, the ground interface22interchangeably engages each of a plurality of removably attachable components or attachments24.

The attachments24may be modular and interchangeable to allow a user to switch between attachments24as desired. For example, a user can use an attachment24configured to facilitate support when walking, such as a wide attachment (e.g., a disc) that is wider than the telescoping member20, and later switch to an attachment24configured to assist in collecting samples or object management (e.g., manipulating rocks and debris), such as a claw and/or magnetic structure.

FIG.2depicts examples of attachments24a-24fthat may form part of the ground interface22. An attachment24ais a disk shaped attachment that provides a relatively wide surface for engagement with the ground. An attachment24bis a conical cylinder shaped body. Attachment24dis a hook-shaped body and attachment24eis a blunt spike. Attachments24cand24fare versions of a movable claw or clamp. Attachments24that can be used with the ground interface22are not limited to these examples, and may have any suitable shape, size or structure. One or more of the attachments24a-24fmay be magnetic or include magnets to facilitate, for example, grabbing and holding objects.

An attachment24may be a static body or have moveable features. For example, the attachment may be a clamp, claw or other structure that can be controlled to open and close. An attachment may include additional features, such as a perforated or textured surface, surface coatings, magnets and others.

One or more of the poles14includes a suit interface (e.g., a suit interface30shown inFIGS.3,4and6-8, and/or a suit interface32shown inFIGS.7and8), which is or includes an attachment device that allows the pole14to be removably attached to the suit at a desired location. For example, each pole14can have an attachment device that engages the suit10at one location or a plurality of locations. Examples of locations (seeFIG.1) include an arm portion70, a waist area72, a leg portion74, a belt76, and a glove portion78. Other examples include a backpack80(seeFIG.9). The poles14can be retracted and stored with the suit at one or more of these locations without encumbering the user.

The suit interface may be configured to removably attach to connection components on the suit10. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the suit10includes a connection component60at the arm portion70, a connection component62at the waist area72and/or a connection component64and the leg portion74. Examples of connection components include a clasp42and a magnetic attachment device44shown inFIG.5. In another example, shown inFIG.9, a connection component82is included on the backpack80.

FIGS.3and4depict an embodiment of a pole14in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. The pole14includes a suit interface30, which is disposed at or proximate to the handle16, and provides a removable connection to a glove or arm of the atmospheric suit10. The suit interface30can be used to facilitate the user grasping the pole14(e.g., via the strap40ofFIG.5), or can be used in a hands-free manner while providing support.

According to exemplary embodiments, the suit interface30may be configured to allow attachment to multiple locations of the atmospheric suit10. For example, the suit interface30is removably attachable at various locations of the suit (shown inFIG.1), for example, to store the pole14(e.g., in a retracted position) on the suit10. The suit interface30may be configured to engage with pre-existing features of the suit10, such as the belt76, or engage with one or more of the connection components60,62and64.

FIG.5shows examples of components that may form all or part of the suit interface30or engage with the suit interface30according to one or more embodiments.FIG.5depicts an example of the handle16with a handle strap40and a handle16aconfigured as an ergonomic handle. The handles16,16amay form the suit interface or be attached to the suit interface30to allow the user to grasp the pole14.FIG.5also shows a clasp42and a magnetic attachment device44including an array of magnets46, either of which may be attached to the handle16,16aor to another part of the pole14for hands-free attachment, as further discussed with reference toFIGS.6and.8.

FIG.6shows an example of the support system12as removably attached to the atmospheric suit10. A pole14is removably attached, for example, to a belt (e.g., via a clasp42or strap40) or removably attached via a magnetic attachment device44to the suit10. The pole14can be removably attached to the waist area72of the suit10, or at any other desired location. Although only one pole14is shown, a second pole14may also be removably attached, either at a different location or the same location (e.g., if the poles14are folded or attached together).

FIG.7depicts an embodiment of a pole14in a retracted position, and depicts additional features that may optionally be included in or used with the pole14. In this embodiment, the pole14includes a second suit interface32and a pole attachment34. It is noted that the pole14may include both the second suit interface32and the pole attachment34, or include only one of the interface32and the pole attachment34.

The pole attachment34allows the user to removably attach the poles14together, so that the poles can be conveniently stored together. Examples of pole attachments34include straps, snap-on devices, magnetic devices, clamps and others.

The second suit interface32may include an attachment device such as the attachment devices described above. The second suit interface32may be configured to be removably attached to a different location than that of the first suit interface30.

For example, the first suit interface30is at or proximate to the handle16, and provides a removable connection to a glove or arm of the suit10. Thus, the suit interface30can be used to facilitate the user grasping the pole, or can be used in a hands-free manner while providing support. The second suit interface32may be configured to allow attachment to any desired suit location, such as an arm or shoulder of the suit or a leg of the suit. The second suit interface32may be used, for example, to store the pole14in a retracted position on the suit10.

FIG.8shows an example of the support structure as removably attached to the atmospheric suit when the poles14are retracted. The poles14are connected together via the pole attachment34(not shown), and the set of poles14are together attached to the atmospheric suit10via the second suit interface32, for example, at the arm portion70. In an embodiment, only one of the poles14has the second suit interface32, although both poles14can have the interface.

FIG.9shows another example of the support structure as removably attached to a backpack80. The backpack80may be a life support system, such as a primary life support system (PLSS). In this example, the poles14are connected in the retracted position by the pole attachment34, and the set of poles14is removably attached to the backpack80by a connection component82.