Patent Publication Number: US-2023137054-A1

Title: Support system for an atmospheric suit

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike: 
         FIG.  1    depicts a user in an atmospheric suit, and depicts an embodiment of a support system including a set of poles; 
         FIG.  2    depicts examples of attachments for a ground interface of each of the set of poles of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    depicts an embodiment of a pole of a support system for a user of an atmospheric suit, the pole in a retracted position, the pole including an attachment device or grabbable device configured to removably attach the pole to the atmospheric suit; 
         FIG.  4    depicts the pole of  FIG.  3    in an extended position; 
         FIG.  5    depicts examples of the attachment device of  FIGS.  3  and  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    depicts a user in an atmospheric suit, and depicts the pole of  FIGS.  3  and  4    removably attached to the atmospheric suit; 
         FIG.  7    depicts an embodiment of a pole of a support system for a user of an atmospheric suit, the pole in a retracted position, the pole including a first attachment device and a second attachment device; 
         FIG.  8    depicts a user in an atmospheric suit, and depicts the pole of  FIG.  7    removably attached to the atmospheric suit; and 
         FIG.  9    depicts a user in an atmospheric suit, and depicts the pole of  FIG.  7    removably attached to the atmospheric suit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. 
     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 movable 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.  1    depicts an example of a user (e.g., an astronaut) in an atmospheric suit  10  with a support system  12  according to one or more embodiments. The atmospheric suit  10  in 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 system  12  is 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 system  12  provides 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 system  12  can 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 system  12  includes a set of poles  14 , each of which may be extendable and retractable between a retracted position (shown in  FIGS.  6  and  8   ) and an extended position as shown in  FIG.  1   . The set of poles  14  may be made from any desired material, such as stainless steel, titanium, or high strength polymer materials. Each pole  14  includes a handle  16 , a first elongated member  18 , and at least one telescoping member  20 . Each pole  14  may 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 handle  16 ) by a user to extend or retract the pole  14  by extending or retracting the telescoping member(s)  20 . 
     The poles  14  can be extended and retracted according to any suitable mechanism. For example, each pole  14  can have any number of telescoping members (e.g., two or more telescoping members  20  that collapse into one another). 
       FIG.  1    shows the set of poles  14  in 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 handle  16 . The removable attachment may be accomplished via, for example, a suit interface  30  or  32  (shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  6 - 9   ), or via the user grabbing or grasping the handle  16 . 
     In an embodiment, each pole  14  includes a ground interface  22  that may be removably attached to the end of the telescoping member  20  to facilitate engagement with the surface to help support the user. The ground interface  22  may be configured for various terrains and for other functions, such as collecting samples. In an embodiment, the ground interface  22  interchangeably engages each of a plurality of removably attachable components or attachments  24 . 
     The attachments  24  may be modular and interchangeable to allow a user to switch between attachments  24  as desired. For example, a user can use an attachment  24  configured to facilitate support when walking, such as a wide attachment (e.g., a disc) that is wider than the telescoping member  20 , and later switch to an attachment  24  configured to assist in collecting samples or object management (e.g., manipulating rocks and debris), such as a claw and/or magnetic structure. 
       FIG.  2    depicts examples of attachments  24   a - 24   f  that may form part of the ground interface  22 . An attachment  24   a  is a disk shaped attachment that provides a relatively wide surface for engagement with the ground. An attachment  24   b  is a conical cylinder shaped body. Attachment  24   d  is a hook-shaped body and attachment  24   e  is a blunt spike. Attachments  24   c  and  24   f  are versions of a movable claw or clamp. Attachments  24  that can be used with the ground interface  22  are not limited to these examples, and may have any suitable shape, size or structure. One or more of the attachments  24   a - 24   f  may be magnetic or include magnets to facilitate, for example, grabbing and holding objects. 
     An attachment  24  may be a static body or have movable 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 poles  14  includes a suit interface (e.g., a suit interface  30  shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  6 - 8   , and/or a suit interface  32  shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   ), which is or includes an attachment device that allows the pole  14  to be removably attached to the suit at a desired location. For example, each pole  14  can have an attachment device that engages the suit  10  at one location or a plurality of locations. Examples of locations (see  FIG.  1   ) include an arm portion  70 , a waist area  72 , a leg portion  74 , a belt  76 , and a glove portion  78 . Other examples include a backpack  80  (see  FIG.  9   ). The poles  14  can 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 suit  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the suit  10  includes a connection component  60  at the arm portion  70 , a connection component  62  at the waist area  72  and/or a connection component  64  and the leg portion  74 . Examples of connection components include a clasp  42  and a magnetic attachment device  44  shown in  FIG.  5   . In another example, shown in  FIG.  9   , a connection component  82  is included on the backpack  80 . 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    depict an embodiment of a pole  14  in a retracted position and an extended position, respectively. The pole  14  includes a suit interface  30 , which is disposed at or proximate to the handle  16 , and provides a removable connection to a glove or arm of the atmospheric suit  10 . The suit interface  30  can be used to facilitate the user grasping the pole  14  (e.g., via the strap  40  of  FIG.  5   ), or can be used in a hands-free manner while providing support. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, the suit interface  30  may be configured to allow attachment to multiple locations of the atmospheric suit  10 . For example, the suit interface  30  is removably attachable at various locations of the suit (shown in  FIG.  1   ), for example, to store the pole  14  (e.g., in a retracted position) on the suit  10 . The suit interface  30  may be configured to engage with pre-existing features of the suit  10 , such as the belt  76 , or engage with one or more of the connection components  60 ,  62  and  64 . 
       FIG.  5    shows examples of components that may form all or part of the suit interface  30  or engage with the suit interface  30  according to one or more embodiments.  FIG.  5    depicts an example of the handle  16  with a handle strap  40  and a handle  16   a  configured as an ergonomic handle. The handles  16 ,  16   a  may form the suit interface or be attached to the suit interface  30  to allow the user to grasp the pole  14 .  FIG.  5    also shows a clasp  42  and a magnetic attachment device  44  including an array of magnets  46 , either of which may be attached to the handle  16 ,  16   a  or to another part of the pole  14  for hands-free attachment, as further discussed with reference to  FIGS.  6    and.  8 . 
       FIG.  6    shows an example of the support system  12  as removably attached to the atmospheric suit  10 . A pole  14  is removably attached, for example, to a belt (e.g., via a clasp  42  or strap  40 ) or removably attached via a magnetic attachment device  44  to the suit  10 . The pole  14  can be removably attached to the waist area  72  of the suit  10 , or at any other desired location. Although only one pole  14  is shown, a second pole  14  may also be removably attached, either at a different location or the same location (e.g., if the poles  14  are folded or attached together). 
       FIG.  7    depicts an embodiment of a pole  14  in a retracted position, and depicts additional features that may optionally be included in or used with the pole  14 . In this embodiment, the pole  14  includes a second suit interface  32  and a pole attachment  34 . It is noted that the pole  14  may include both the second suit interface  32  and the pole attachment  34 , or include only one of the interface  32  and the pole attachment  34 . 
     The pole attachment  34  allows the user to removably attach the poles  14  together, so that the poles can be conveniently stored together. Examples of pole attachments  34  include straps, snap-on devices, magnetic devices, clamps and others. 
     The second suit interface  32  may include an attachment device such as the attachment devices described above. The second suit interface  32  may be configured to be removably attached to a different location than that of the first suit interface  30 . 
     For example, the first suit interface  30  is at or proximate to the handle  16 , and provides a removable connection to a glove or arm of the suit  10 . Thus, the suit interface  30  can be used to facilitate the user grasping the pole, or can be used in a hands-free manner while providing support. The second suit interface  32  may 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 interface  32  may be used, for example, to store the pole  14  in a retracted position on the suit  10 . 
       FIG.  8    shows an example of the support structure as removably attached to the atmospheric suit when the poles  14  are retracted. The poles  14  are connected together via the pole attachment  34  (not shown), and the set of poles  14  are together attached to the atmospheric suit  10  via the second suit interface  32 , for example, at the arm portion  70 . In an embodiment, only one of the poles  14  has the second suit interface  32 , although both poles  14  can have the interface. 
       FIG.  9    shows another example of the support structure as removably attached to a backpack  80 . The backpack  80  may be a life support system, such as a primary life support system (PLSS). In this example, the poles  14  are connected in the retracted position by the pole attachment  34 , and the set of poles  14  is removably attached to the backpack  80  by a connection component  82 . 
     The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.