MODULAR MATTER, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: DHA224-D003

Description

Modular Matter, Inc. has developed a revolutionary way of applying biomechanically-relevant loads to the soft tissues of the human body. We have designed and tested a modular mechanical metamaterial that can support and transfer loads comfortably to the wearer's limb (skin, muscle, and bone). The modules can be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled in countless configurations. This means that the Modular Matter exoskeleton can be sized for each individual, and resized and reshaped to suit the user's changing rehabilitation needs. Most importantly, our technology makes it possible for someone to walk and run immediately after an ankle injury. The biggest differentiator between the Modular Matter technology and existing orthotics is in how loads are transmitted through the wearer. Most orthotics on the market only restrict joint movement, while our technology can shunt loads around sensitive areas. In a traditional ankle brace, for example, the ankle is held stationary, however walking loads are still sent through the foot and ankle. The Modular Matter exoskeleton, in contrast, sends the loads around the ankle and safely into the calf muscles and upper tibia/fibula. Modular Matter has also conceived of and designed two joint mechanisms for adaptively restricting range of motion and load. One of these is a friction-based joint that ratchets and tightens with the turn of a knob. The other is a magnetostrictive joint that uses ferrous colloidal fluid to achieve the same effects, and can also be adjusted with the turn of a knob. These joints are directionally-biased so that they resist transferring walking/running loads to the foot/ankle, but exert no extra force if the wearer tries to extend their foot. We propose to combine these two technologies into a single, ruggedized exoskeletal device capable of shunting running loads around the ankle in a controlled, comfortable, and adjustable manner. This would enable soldiers to return to active duty and operate effectively while still injured. The degree of load-shunting would be continually-variable, and a person could increase or decrease the support on-the-fly based on the current clinical or operational needs. As the ankle heals, the wearer could decrease the loading contribution by the exoskeleton, or increase the contribution if they're feeling sore or overtired. This provides the wearer with the exact level of support needed at any time. Additionally, as the required level of loading support decreases, the amount of contact between the exoskeleton and the skin will decrease. To adjust to these changing conditions, the modular system can be modified to reduce the superfluous contact by shrinking the device contact area, thereby reducing the size and weight. This device would be durable and suitable for both a far-forward operating environment or a sterile clinical one.