DESIGN NAME: A.F.A.-Powered Exo-Suit for Firefighter
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Advance Firefighting Apparatus
INSPIRATION: Two years ago I read a report said a fire engulfed a high rise building and killed almost fifty people in Shanghai I did not expect that a twenty eight storey tender a huge challenge to modern fire fighting There are two main risks for high rise firefighting Firstly is the long lead time to fire ground Secondly is the safety of firefighters In my research the biomechanical exoskeleton is developing in today The company such as HAL and already has made a breakthrough
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Afa is a powered exoskeleton suit aim to increases performance of firefighters in walking running and carrying while high rise fire frightening This suit can carry loads up to 91kg The exo suit is strapped over the firefighters clothing The device transfers its weight and load directly to the ground So firefighters do not bear the weight It is an assistant equipment with new technology applying carrying capacity and personal mobility to achieve an effective fire fighting in the future 2030
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The exo suit strapped over the fire gear Fireman put the exo suit on then goes to the fire ground The device provides supplemental muscle to aid performance in walking running and carrying It shortens the leading time and firefighter can easily break the door for rescuing Just in case of the suit out of function there is an emergency release system Firefighter can simply pull off the bars on each side of thigh Then all the joints of the suit will disassemble automatic and immediately
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in March 2014 in Monash University and finished in Monash University 2015 inMonash University.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The suit is built with titanium and covered with meta aramid fiber
It contains actuator and sensor unit in each joint
It assembles with servo motor structure wheel bearings and capstan wheel and torque sensor
The foot has a load distribution sensor a rubber pressure tube filled with hydraulic oil and sandwiched between the firefighters foot and the main exoskeleton foot structure
The weight of the firefighter and carryings is transferred onto the pressure tube and measured by the sensor
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 600(adjustable)mm x Depth 430(adjustable)mm x Height 1600(adjustable)mm, Weight approx 23 kg, Power lithium-polumer battery, continuous operation time approx 2 hours.
TAGS: Powered Exoskeleton, fire gear, concept design, afa
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The project will begin with research into the high-rise fire and firefighter gear. Investigating the process of high-rise firefighting and fire gear. The second stage in the process will be the brainstorming, body storming, benchmarking and user scenario. From there I continued onto research the design of powered exoskeleton associated with anatomy and anthology alongside rapid sketching. Then I will lead to package exploration and concept development. The final stage will lead to design refinement, CAD and a 1 to 3 prototype.
CHALLENGE: To make the concept solid. i was trying to research some existing or near future technologies.
ADDED DATE: 2016-02-17 02:48:24
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Jiazhen (Ken) Chen, 2015.
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