Patent Description:
The content described here merely provides background information for the present disclosure and does not constitute the prior art.

A wearable robot and a wearable suit (hereinafter collectively a "wearable suit") refer to a type of robot that is worn on a human body. A user is directly in charge of posture control, context-awareness, and motion signal generation, which artificial intelligence of the robot is responsible for, and the wearable suit responds to various situations to assist muscular strength and mobility of the user or the like.

With the development of sensors, control, and software technologies, the wearable suits are being used in various fields such as military use, disaster relief, industrial work, rehabilitation treatment, and daily life assistance. The wearable suit can increase a work performance time and a work range of the user by assisting physical ability of the user in environments such as disaster sites and mountainous terrain. The wearable suit may be used for work and rehabilitation treatment by assisting the muscular strength and physical defects of the user in daily life.

The wearable suit may be divided into a passive type suit and an active type suit according to a power implementation method. Here, the passive type means a method using a preset force such as a spring and an elastic band, and the active type means a method using a variable force such as a motor and hydraulic pressure.

<CIT> discloses an external skeleton driving device and a driving method. In the document the driving device is described to comprise a fixing part, a driving part, an external pipe, an internal thread and a driving comprising a spring comprised of a shape memory alloy material, wherein the driving component contracts upon application of heat and thereby pulls the internal thread to assist motion of an assistance joint of a user, the fixing part is wore at the fixing end of the assistance joint, the driving part is wore at the free end of the assistance joint, the external pipe is connected with the fixed part, the internal thread is provided with an extension part which extends out of one end of the external pipe, the extension part of the internal thread is connected with the driving part, the external skeleton driving device comprises two driving elements which generate force in two directions, the force is selectively applied to the assistance part of the user, and when the driving element in one force direction contracts, the driving element in the other force direction can quickly restore to the relaxation state.

In view of the above prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a wearable suit of simpler structure and reduced weight.

A wearable suit according to one embodiment uses a muscular strength assistance unit formed of a shape memory alloy material to assist muscular strength of a user, thereby simplifying a structure and reducing weight.

The object to be achieved by the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned object, and other objectives not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals preferably designate like elements, although the elements are shown in different drawings. Further, in the following description of some embodiments, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated therein will be omitted for the purpose of clarity and for brevity.

Additionally, various terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., are used solely to differentiate one component from the other but not to imply or suggest the substances, order, or sequence of the components. Throughout this specification, when a part 'includes' or 'comprises' a component, the part is meant to further include other components, not to exclude thereof unless specifically stated to the contrary. The terms such as 'unit', 'module', and the like refer to one or more units for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of a wearable suit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state of a user wearing the wearable suit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a fixing unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the wearable suit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a wearable suit <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body unit <NUM>, a fixing unit <NUM>, a coupling unit <NUM>, a connecting unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

The body unit <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and a muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> includes a muscular strength assistance spring 112a, a terminal 112b, and a supporting member 112c.

The fixing unit <NUM> may include a shoulder belt <NUM>, a chest belt <NUM>, and a waist belt <NUM>.

The coupling unit <NUM> includes an arm coupling unit <NUM> and a leg coupling unit <NUM>.

The connecting unit <NUM> includes an arm connecting unit <NUM> and a leg connecting unit <NUM>.

The body unit <NUM> is disposed in at least a portion of an upper body of a user <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> may be disposed at the rear of the upper body of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the body unit <NUM> is formed of a shape memory alloy material. The body unit <NUM> may be connected to at least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM> and the waist belt <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> is connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> is connected to the coupling unit <NUM> using the connecting unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the body unit <NUM> so that the body unit <NUM> is activated or deactivated.

The housing <NUM> is disposed in at least a portion of the upper body of the user <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include an accommodation space therein. In the accommodation space inside the housing <NUM>, at least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, the power supply unit <NUM>, a guiding unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, refer to <FIG>), and the connecting unit <NUM> may be disposed. The housing <NUM> and the shoulder belt <NUM> may be formed in a backpack shape.

The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is configured to assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is formed of a shape memory alloy material. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be contracted and expanded. Power may be applied to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the power supply unit <NUM>. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be connected to the coupling unit <NUM> using a connecting unit <NUM>. There may be a plurality of muscular strength assistance units <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be controlled by a control unit <NUM>.

The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is formed of a shape memory alloy material. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is configured to be contractible and expandable. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is electrically connected to the terminal 112b. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is connected to the supporting member 112c. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded, the terminal 112b and the supporting member 112c move. In this way, compared to a case of driving only the motor, when the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is used as a driving source of the wearable suit <NUM>, the weight of the wearable suit <NUM> can be reduced, and noise caused by the driving of the motor can be reduced.

The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted and expanded using the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>. Heat is generated by the electric power applied to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. As the temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted. As the electric power supplied to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is cut off, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be cooled.

There may be a plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a. The plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a may be disposed in series and/or parallel to each other. In this case, the plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a may be disposed in an appropriate shape in consideration of the resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>.

The terminal 112b is formed on the supporting member 112c. The terminal 112b is electrically connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The terminal 112b is also electrically connected to the power supply unit <NUM>. The terminal 112b transmits power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The terminal 112b may be connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and/or the supporting member 112c. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded, the terminal 112b may move together with the supporting member 112c. The terminal 112b may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>.

The supporting member 112c is connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and/or the terminal 112b to support the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and/or the terminal 112b. A supporting member 112c may be disposed on both sides of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The supporting member 112c may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The terminal 112b may be formed on the supporting member 112c. There may be a plurality of supporting members 112c. At least one of the plurality of supporting members 112c is connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The supporting member 112c connected to the connecting unit <NUM> is movably installed with respect to the housing <NUM> and moves as the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded to assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. At least another supporting members 112c of the plurality of supporting members 112c is fixed to the inside of the housing <NUM>.

The fixing unit <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> may include one or more of the shoulder belt <NUM>, the chest belt <NUM>, the waist belt <NUM>, and the leg belt.

The shoulder belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the shoulder belt <NUM> may be configured to surround the shoulder of the user <NUM>. Both sides of the shoulder belt <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM>.

The chest belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the chest belt <NUM> may be configured to surround the chest of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM>. A middle portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be formed in a structure capable of being coupled and detached.

The waist belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the waist belt <NUM> may be configured to surround the waist of the user <NUM>. Both sides of the waist belt <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. A middle portion of the waist belt <NUM> may be formed in a structure that is coupled and detachable. According to the waist belt <NUM>, it is possible to stably maintain a state in which the body unit <NUM> is positioned in the upper body of the user <NUM>. Meanwhile, even when the waist belt <NUM> is not provided, the body unit <NUM> can be positioned at the upper body of the user <NUM> by a fixing force of the leg belt, which will be described later, or by the own weight and the shoulder belt <NUM> of the body unit <NUM>.

The leg belt may fix the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the wearable suit <NUM> assists the muscular strength of the arm of the user <NUM>, the leg belt fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. In this case, the leg coupling unit <NUM> and the leg connecting unit <NUM> may serve as the leg belt. Meanwhile, when the wearable suit <NUM> assists only the arm of the user <NUM>, the leg belt may be omitted.

For example, the fixing unit <NUM> may be provided in the form of a vest. In the fixing unit <NUM> in the form of a vest, it may be understood that two or more of the shoulder belt <NUM>, the chest belt <NUM>, and the waist belt <NUM> are integrally formed. For example, the fixing unit <NUM> may be formed in a shape in which the left and right shoulder belts <NUM> are interconnected by a fastening means, for example, a zipper or a button.

The coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the body of the user <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the arm and/or leg of the user <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the body unit <NUM> by the connecting unit <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. There may be a plurality of coupling units <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be formed in a band shape.

The arm coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the arm of the user <NUM>. The arm coupling unit <NUM> is connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the arm connecting unit <NUM> and assists the muscular strength of the arm of the user <NUM>.

The leg coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the leg of the user <NUM>. The leg coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the leg connecting unit <NUM>, and may assist the muscular strength of the leg and/or the waist of the user <NUM>. The leg coupling unit <NUM> may constitute a portion of the leg belt.

The connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM> to each other. The connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM> to each other. At least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> may move as the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded. For example, the connecting unit <NUM> may be formed of a non-stretchable material. For example, at least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> may be formed of a polyester material. A thickness of the connecting unit <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. At least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> is inserted into the inside of the guiding member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, refer to <FIG>), and thus, the position of the connecting unit <NUM> may be guided and/or fixed.

The arm connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the arm coupling unit <NUM> to each other. The arm connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the arm coupling unit <NUM> to each other. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded, at least a portion of the arm connecting unit <NUM> may move to assist the muscular strength of the arm of the user <NUM>.

The leg connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the leg coupling unit <NUM> to each other. The leg connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the leg coupling unit <NUM> to each other. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded, at least a portion of the leg connecting unit <NUM> may move to assist the muscular strength of the leg and/or the waist of the user <NUM>. The leg connecting unit <NUM> may constitute a portion of the leg belt. The leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a "Y" shape or an "H" shape. The leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed integrally, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be formed in a shape in which a plurality of components are combined according to the purpose and use.

Meanwhile, when the wearable suit <NUM> is provided to assist only the muscular strength of the arm of the user <NUM>, the leg coupling unit <NUM> and the leg connecting unit <NUM> may be omitted.

The control unit <NUM> may control each configuration of the wearable suit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive information acquired by a sensing unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive a signal related to operation or deactivation from a timer and/or a switch. The control unit <NUM> may control the power supply unit <NUM> based on information obtained by the sensing unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the body unit <NUM> using the power supply unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> based on an operation signal transmitted from a switch or the like. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to supply power from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from a timer and/or the sensing unit <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> controls the power supply unit <NUM> so that the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is cut off, thereby canceling the operation of the wearable suit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may release the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on information transmitted from the timer. The control unit <NUM> may release the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on information on a load acting on the wearable suit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may release the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on whether the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> decreases and/or whether a load reduction time is equal to or longer than a preset time.

The power supply unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to supply power to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the terminal 112b. The power supply unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. Heat is generated by the electric power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> and the electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a, and the temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases. Accordingly, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted and provides tension to the connecting unit <NUM> to assist the muscular strength of the body part of the user equipped with the coupling unit <NUM>, that is, the arm, and optionally the waist and/or leg The power supply unit <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit <NUM> to supply or cut power to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the wearable suit installed with a first guiding member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the wearable suit installed with a second guiding member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the wearable suit installed with a third guiding member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The guiding unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The wearable suit <NUM> according to the present disclosure may further include the guiding unit configured to guide the position of the connecting unit <NUM>. The guiding unit allows the connecting unit <NUM> to move along a set path, and thus, it is possible to further improve control accuracy.

The guiding unit may include one or more guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> configured to be inserted into at least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM>.

The guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first guiding member <NUM>, a second guiding member <NUM>, and a third guiding member <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate each of the guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> by way of example, but, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the wearable suit <NUM> may include two or more guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> together.

The first guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the arm connecting unit <NUM>. The first guiding member <NUM> is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the arm connecting unit <NUM>. The first guiding member <NUM> prevents the arm connecting unit <NUM> from coming into direct contact with the body of the user, and thus, it is possible to reduce the problem that the user is injured in the process of the arm connecting unit <NUM> moving. One side of the first guiding member <NUM> toward the upper side and/or the front of the user from the housing <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, based on the state in which the user wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the first guiding member <NUM> may have a shape extending from the housing <NUM> toward the upper side and/or the front of the user. Based on the state in which the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, one portion of the first guiding member <NUM> may extend from the housing <NUM> toward the upper side of the user <NUM>, and the remaining portion of the first guiding member <NUM> may extend in a direction toward the front of the user <NUM> from the one portion. According to the first guiding member <NUM>, it is possible to prevent a load due to the tension applied to the arm connecting unit <NUM> from concentrating on the shoulder of the user. The first guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe shape having a hollow into which at least a portion of the arm connecting unit <NUM> is inserted. According to such a shape, it is possible to guide the position of the arm connecting unit <NUM> more stably. Meanwhile, unlike this, the first guiding member <NUM> may have a groove shape with an open upper side. At least a portion of the first guiding member <NUM> may be bent so that the load acting on the first guiding member <NUM> and the arm connecting unit <NUM> is distributed. There may be a plurality of first guiding members <NUM>.

For example, an end of the first guiding member <NUM> may have a downwardly curved shape. According to such a shape, it is possible to prevent the arm connecting unit <NUM> from being damaged by friction with the end portion of the first guiding member <NUM>.

The second guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the arm connecting unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the arm connecting unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the shoulder belt <NUM>. For example, the second guiding member <NUM> may be formed integrally with the fixing unit <NUM> (for example, shoulder belt <NUM>) in the form of a passage formed to pass through the fixing unit <NUM> (for example, shoulder belt <NUM>). The second guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe or ring shape. Meanwhile, unlike this, the second guiding member <NUM> may have a groove shape with an open upper side. At least a portion of the second guiding member <NUM> may be bent so that the load acting on the second guiding member <NUM> is distributed. There may be a plurality of second guiding members <NUM>.

The third guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the leg connecting unit <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> is configured such that at least a portion of the leg connecting unit <NUM> is inserted. The third guiding member <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> may be fixed to the inside of the housing <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe or ring shape. There may be a plurality of third guiding members <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating several embodiments of the leg connecting unit according to the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the leg connecting unit <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first leg connecting unit <NUM>, a second leg connecting unit <NUM> and a third leg connecting unit <NUM>.

One side of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> is connected to the body unit <NUM>. One side of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the supporting member 112c of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted or expanded, at least a portion of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> may move together with the supporting member 112c. The other side of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the third leg connecting unit <NUM>. The first leg connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the second leg connecting unit <NUM> by the third leg connecting unit <NUM>. A cross-section of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> may have a circular shape. The first leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed of a polyester material. There may be a plurality of first leg connecting unit <NUM>. According to the purpose and use, the first leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in various lengths.

One side of the second leg connecting unit <NUM> is connected to the leg coupling unit <NUM>. The other side of the second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the third leg connecting unit <NUM>. The second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the first leg connecting unit <NUM> by the third leg connecting unit <NUM>. The second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed of a polyester material. The second leg connecting unit <NUM> may have a shape having a width larger than a thickness. According to such a shape, based on the state in which the user is seated in a chair for rest, by thinning a thickness of a portion of the leg connecting unit <NUM> in contact with the body (for example, waist, buttocks, and/or thigh) of the user, it is possible to sufficiently secure the rigidity of the second leg connecting unit <NUM> while relieving the discomfort during seating. For example, the second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a thin and flat shape (for example, a webbing belt shape) similar to a seat belt of a vehicle. There may be a plurality of second leg connecting unit <NUM>. According to the purpose and use, the second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in various lengths.

The third leg connecting unit <NUM> is disposed between the first leg connecting unit <NUM> and the second leg connecting unit <NUM>. The third leg connecting unit <NUM> connects the other side of the first leg connecting unit <NUM> and the other side of the second leg connecting unit <NUM> to each other. The third leg connecting unit <NUM> may support and/or fix the first leg connecting unit <NUM> and the second leg connecting unit <NUM>. The third leg connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a ring or bar shape.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the third leg connecting unit <NUM> is formed in a ring shape, according to such a structure, the structure is simple, and it is possible to improve a right-left balance of the second leg connecting unit <NUM>. For example, the second leg connecting unit <NUM> may be installed in the third leg connecting unit <NUM> to be movable along a periphery of the third leg connecting unit <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the third leg connecting unit <NUM> is formed in a bar shape, by sufficiently separating a distance between the pair of second leg connecting unit <NUM>, it is possible to reduce a portion of the second leg connecting unit <NUM> in contact with the buttocks of the user. In addition, by reducing an angle formed by the second leg connecting unit <NUM> in a transmission direction of the force from the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to the leg coupling unit <NUM>, it is possible to improve efficiency of force transmission.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating an operating principle of the wearable suit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> are views illustrating an operating principle of the muscular strength assistance unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The operating principle of the wearable suit <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The user <NUM> wearing the wearable suit <NUM> approaches the weight <NUM> to move a weight <NUM> to a work table <NUM>. The user <NUM> may extend the arm or bend the waist to lift the weight <NUM>. Accordingly, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a formed of the shape memory alloy material is expanded. The user <NUM> may transmit an operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM> using a switch or the like. The control unit <NUM> controls the power supply unit <NUM> so that power is supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. Heat is generated by electric power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> and the electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases and the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted, it is possible to assist the muscular strength of the body of the user connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. As a result, the user <NUM> may move the weight <NUM> to the work table <NUM> with a small force.

<FIG> are views illustrating an operating principle of the sensing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the wearable suit <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the sensing unit <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> senses a load acting on the wearable suit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may transmit the acquired information to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information acquired by the sensing unit. The sensing unit <NUM> may include one or more load sensors. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the connecting unit <NUM> to sense a load acting on the connecting unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may sense the tension acting on the connecting unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed in the middle of the connecting unit <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the connecting unit <NUM> to detect loads acting on the connecting units <NUM> on both sides, respectively. As the user <NUM> extends the arm or bends the waist to move the weight <NUM>, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is expanded, and the connecting units <NUM> on both sides of the sensing unit <NUM> maintain a loose state. As the user <NUM> operates the wearable suit <NUM> to lift the weight <NUM>, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is contracted, and both connecting units <NUM> on both sides of the sensing unit <NUM> are tense. When the user <NUM> puts down the weight <NUM> from his/her hand, the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> between the sensing unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM> is reduced. The sensing unit <NUM> transmits information on the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> releases the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information. When the user <NUM> is holding an object in both hands, there is a problem in that it is difficult to use the switch. However, according to the above-described structure, it is possible to release the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> according to the intention of the user <NUM> without a separately installed switch or the like.

According to one embodiment, the wearable suit uses a muscular strength assistance unit formed of the shape memory alloy material to assist muscular strength of the user, thereby simplifying the structure, reducing weight, and removing noise caused by driving of a motor.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized by a digital electronic circuit, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or a combination thereof. These various implementations may include being implemented in one or more computer programs executable on a programmable system. The programmable system includes at least one programmable processor (which may be a special purpose processor or may be a general-purpose processor) coupled to receive data and instructions from, and transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include instructions for a programmable processor and are stored on a "computer-readable medium".

The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. These computer-readable recording media may be non-volatile or non-transitory medium, such as ROM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, memory card, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, and storage device, and may further include a transitory medium such as a data transmission medium. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed in a network-connected computer system, and the computer-readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented by a programmable computer. Here, the computer includes a programmable processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or other types of storage systems or combinations thereof) and at least one communication interface. For example, a programmable computer may be one of a server, a network appliance, a set-top box, an embedded device, a computer expansion module, a personal computer, a laptop, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), a cloud computing system, or a mobile device.

Claim 1:
A wearable suit (<NUM>) configured to assist muscular strength of a user, the wearable suit (<NUM>) comprising:
a body unit (<NUM>);
a fixing unit (<NUM>) configured to fix the body unit (<NUM>) to an upper body of the user;
an arm coupling unit (<NUM>) coupled to at least a portion of an arm of the user;
an arm connecting unit (<NUM>) configured to connect the body unit (<NUM>) and the arm coupling unit (<NUM>) to each other; and
a power supply unit (<NUM>) configured to supply electric power to the body unit (<NUM>),
wherein the body unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a housing (<NUM>) defining an accommodating space therein; and
a muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>) disposed inside the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>) comprises:
at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a) comprised of a shape memory alloy material;
a plurality of terminals (112b) electrically connected to the power supply unit (<NUM>) and the muscular strength assistance spring (112a); and
a plurality of supporting members (112c) supporting the at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a) and the plurality of terminals (112b),
wherein each of the plurality of terminals (112b) is formed on each of the plurality of supporting members (112c),
wherein at least one of the plurality of supporting members (112c) is connected to the arm connecting unit (<NUM>) and moves when the at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a) is contracted or expanded to assist the muscular strength of the user,
wherein at least another etherof the plurality of supporting members (112c) is fixed to the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a) is expanded when the user extends the arm, and
wherein the at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a) is contracted by heat generated by the electric power and electrical resistance of the at least one muscular strength assistance spring (112a).