Objective

To better study human motion inside the space suit and suit-related contact, a multifactor statistical model was developed to predict torso body shape changes and lumbar motion during suited movement by using fabric strain sensors that are placed on the body.

Background

Physical interactions within pressurized space suits can pose an injury risk for astronauts during extravehicular activity (EVA). In particular, poor suit fit can result in an injury due to reduced performance capabilities and excessive body contact within the suit during movement. A wearable solution is needed to measure body motion inside the space suit.

Methods

An array of flexible strain sensors was attached to the body of 12 male study participants. The participants performed specific static lumbar postures while 3D body scans and sensor measurements were collected. A model was created to predict the body shape as a function of sensor signal and the accuracy was evaluated using holdout cross-validation.

Results

Predictions from the torso shape model had an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.02 cm. Subtle soft tissue deformations such as skin folding and bulges were accurately replicated in the shape prediction. Differences in posture type did not affect the prediction error.

Conclusion

This method provides a useful tool for suited testing and the information gained will drive the development of injury countermeasures and improve suit fit assessments.

Application

In addition to space suit design applications, this technique can provide a lightweight and wearable system to perform ergonomic evaluations in field assessments.

中文翻译：

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使用织物应变传感器评估腰椎形状变形

客观的

为了更好地研究宇航服内的人体运动和与宇航服相关的接触，开发了一个多因素统计模型，通过使用放置在身体上的织物应变传感器来预测适当运动期间的躯干体形变化和腰椎运动。

背景

在舱外活动 (EVA) 期间，加压太空服内的物理相互作用可能会给宇航员带来伤害风险。特别是，由于运动能力下降和运动期间在西装内过多的身体接触，不良的西装合身可能会导致受伤。需要一种可穿戴解决方案来测量太空服内的身体运动。

方法

一组柔性应变传感器安装在 12 名男性研究参与者的身体上。参与者执行特定的静态腰椎姿势，同时收集 3D 身体扫描和传感器测量结果。创建了一个模型来预测作为传感器信号函数的身体形状，并使用保持交叉验证评估准确性。

结果

躯干形状模型的预测平均均方根误差 (RMSE) 为 2.02 厘米。在形状预测中准确地复制了细微的软组织变形，例如皮肤折叠和隆起。姿势类型的差异不影响预测误差。

结论

这种方法为适合的测试提供了一个有用的工具，所获得的信息将推动伤害对策的发展并改进适合的评估。

应用

除了宇航服设计应用外，该技术还可以提供轻巧且可穿戴的系统，以在现场评估中进行人体工程学评估。