Introduction:
Later Lunar missions will involve extravehicular activity (EVA) with the use of an unpressurized rover. The rover may have the astronaut in a seated position.
Problem Statement:
Preliminary investigations have shown that while seated:
The astronaut sinks down into the seat, hindering their field of view.
The empty space within the suit could be a liability while driving.
Objective:
The objective is to create a suit-integrated system that can raise the crewmember up within the suit to better their field of view as well as increase security and safety while driving.
Requirements:
- Raise astronaut field of view by 1-3 inches
- Activate/deactivate in <1 minute
- Hold astronaut more tightly and securely in position by filling empty space within the suit
- Be remotely activated by crewmembers through controls
- Be geometrically compatible with XEMU hard/soft points
- Be compatible with a wide range of body types and sizes
Process: Ideation
2D and 3D sketching allowed for rapid exploration of various different methods of boosting astronauts.
Initial 3 Concepts:
From our ideation we evaluated which of our ideas best met our requirements and from those we created 3 concepts. Our mentor chose which of our concepts was the best solution to our challenge. Concept one due to being non obstruction to the shoulders which is a common injury point and it filled up the lower half of the suit.
Iterations on chosen concepts:
After deciding to move forward with our inflation concept, we started creating muslins models for fit, and with those created models out of proposed fabric for our final model.
Pattern Making:
Throughout various form iterations for fit and function, we made patterns from draped mock ups for accurate fit and to reference when creating a new model, we made working patterns and then developed trued patterns based off those.
Inflatable Development:
While making looks like models: development for the inflatable began with simple inflation tests and worked its way through higher and higher levels of fidelity.
Final Design Drawing:
After iteration from our chosen concept we developed a design drawing to clearly communicate our design in 2D
Ascend System:
A soft goods lower body harness with integrated inflatables
Features: Adjustability
Some key features are seen in the don and doff process. Adjustable waistband allow s for a wide range of waist sizes. Adjustable thigh straps allow for a wide range of thigh sizes. Rear flap allows for the entire main body of the harness to be adjusted in length. Therefore, one can shorten or lengthen the distance between the waist and the inflatables depending on their fit.
Features: Ergonomic Fit
Thigh straps have a pant-like design to allow for a loose and non-obstructive feel while moving
Right: Stretchy back and side panels accommodate for expansion of the thigh inflatables during movement
Final Inflatable Design and Integration:
Inflatables were made by solder welding TPU sheets that were patterned specifically to be ergonomic and lift the body though certain points to achieve a specific position.
User Testing:
Ease of don & doff
Comfort and fit during movement
Inches of boost provided: Consistency of boost
Testing Results:
Too many straps made the donning process confusing
Thigh bands were obstructive when walking: when tight enough for walking too tight for sitting vise versa
Inflation was inconsistent: air leakage
Design Refinement:
Fit of thigh straps: new wrapping thigh band, fit like pant legs and were more continuous to the back which allowed them to stay up when loose
Inflatable air leakage: new method for making inflatable, reinforcement for seams
