106892 eksovest operator manual - ekso bionics

EksoBionics,Inc.

EksoVest Operator Manual

Ekso Bionics, Inc. © February 2018 106892A

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Copyright © 2018 Ekso Bionics, Inc.

Part Number 106892A2

All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or any computer language, in any form or by any third party, without the prior written permission of Ekso Bionics, Inc.

Trademarks Ekso®, Ekso Bionics®, Ekso Works®, EksoWorks™, Amplifying You™, and DEFY GRAVITY® are trademarks of Ekso Bionics, Inc.

Patents/Patents Pending

The EksoVest is U.S. patent pending.

Disclaimer Ekso Bionics, Inc., its affiliates and vendors (collectively “Supplier”) shall not be liable for any injury or damage suffered by any person, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the use or repair of the EksoVest in violation of its intended use. Supplier does not accept any responsibility for any damage caused to its products, either directly or indirectly, as a result of use and/or repair by unauthorized personnel.

Contact Information Ekso Bionics, Inc. 1414 Harbour Way, South Suite 1201 Richmond, CA 94804 Office: 510-984-1761 Fax: 510-927-2647 Customer Service: 888-869-7683 www.eksoworks.com [email protected]

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Standard Limited Warranty Against Defects in Materials and Workmanship Ekso Bionics, Inc. warrants the EksoVest to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the original date of purchase. Consumable parts including all soft goods (arm cuffs, arm straps, hip belt, hip belt extender, shoulder straps, mesh back, neck roll, and compression arm sleeves) with a demonstrable defect are covered by this same one-year warranty. Damage caused to these consumable parts due to normal wear and tear during the course of normal use is not covered by this warranty. The Standard Limited Warranty does not cover any repairs required as a result of user errors, accidents, misuse, neglect or operation outside of the device’s intended use. The Standard Limited Warranty is void if the EksoVest is altered in any way or has not been used in accordance with the operator manual. Please review all product documentation for important product care and maintenance requirements.

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Table of Contents

MEASUREMENT AND FITTING INFORMATION ........................................................ 7

VEST HARDWARE ............................................................................................. 10

VEST SOFT GOODS ............................................................................................ 11

CUSTOMIZING SIZE WITH VEST COMPONENTS ..................................................... 12

ON/OFF SWITCH .............................................................................................. 17

INSTALLING/CHANGING ACTUATOR SPRINGS ..................................................... 19

ADJUSTING VEST ACTIVATION ZONE ................................................................... 21

DONNING AND DOFFING THE EKSOVEST ............................................................ 23

MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................... 26

APPENDIX A: COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES .................................................. 27

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MEASUREMENT AND FITTING INFORMATION Measurement Recommendations: Another person must take your measurements using a tailor’s tape; do not measure yourself. When measuring, tape should be kept as perpendicular or parallel to the ground as possible. Stand straight; wear normal work clothes.

Hip Belt Measurement Information

Position: Standing straight, arms relaxed at sides

Instructions: Measure torso circumference at top of the pelvic bones (the iliac crest). Keep measuring tape even at top of pelvic bones; measure over work clothes.

Torso Tubes Measurement Information

Position: Standing straight; arm away from waist with palm back

Instructions: Measure from the top of the pelvic bones to the top of the shoulder. The top of the shoulder is typically where the seam lines of a shirt intersect.

Measurement:

Measurement:

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Arm Cuff Length Measurement Information

Position: Standing straight, one arm raised with elbow flexed

Instructions: Measure from armpit to edge of the elbow. Do not measure above or beyond elbow bend.

Arm Cuff Diameter Measurement Information

Position: Standing straight, one arm raised with elbow flexed

Instructions: Measure circumference of upper arm at bend in elbow. Keep measuring tape even and vertical.

Upper Arm Strap Measurement Information

Position: Standing straight, arm relaxed at side

Instructions: Measure circumference of upper arm at armpit. Keep measuring tape even and horizontal.

Measurement:

Measurement:

Measurement:

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For each table or matrix, circle the size that matches the operator’s measurements.

If one or more of the measurements fall outside of the listed ranges, please note the measurement(s) next to the specific chart and contact Ekso Bionics for advice.

These measurements are provided as recommendations. Personal comfort and preference should always guide individual component size choices.

Hip Belt Size

S/M L/XL

Inches 26in – 36in 36in – 46in Centimeters 66cm – 92cm 92cm – 118cm

Torso Tubes Size

B1 to B6 A1 to A6 Inches 14.5in – 19in 18.5in – 23in Centimeters 37cm – 49cm 47cm – 59cm

Arm Cuffs Upper Arm Length

8in – 10in 10in – 12in 12in – 14in+ 20cm - 25cm 25cm - 30cm 25cm - 30cm+

Bice

p D

iam

eter

9in - 11.5in S S S

23cm - 29cm 11.5in – 14in

S S or M M 29cm - 35cm 14in - 16.5in

M M L 35cm - 42cm

Upper Arm Strap

Size S M L

Inches 9in – 11in 11in – 14in 14in – 17in Centimeters 23cm – 28cm 28cm – 36cm 36cm – 44cm

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VEST HARDWARE The mechanical and hardware components of each EksoVest are identified in the following drawing and table.

Component Identifier

Component Name

A Arm Cuff Plate B Actuator Spring C ON/OFF Switch and Tether D Actuator Activation Zone Indicator E Actuator F Link Assemblies G Torso Plate and Mesh H Torso Tubes (bottom, middle, top) I Waist Plate

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VEST SOFT GOODS Each EksoVest consists of the hardware components described in the previous section combined with appropriately sized soft goods. Each operator uses the sizing charts and matrix to select the soft goods that complete his/her vest. The operator attaches the customized soft goods to the vest’s torso plate, waist plate, and the arm cuff plates. All vest-related soft goods are identified in the following drawing and table. Note: The General Configuration Vest kit includes all items/sizes identified in the table; the Specific Worker Vest contains only the specific sizes and number of components selected for an individual operator. (See APPENDIX A for more information.)

Component Identifier

Kit-Included Items Number Sizes

A Hip Belt 2 S/M, L/XL B Hip Belt Extender 1 n/a C Arm Cuffs 3 sets S, M, L D Upper Arm Straps 3 sets S, M, L E Neck Roll 1 n/a F Compression Arm Sleeves* 2 sets S/M, L/XL

* Ekso Bionics recommends that compression arm sleeves are always worn on arms during vest use.

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CUSTOMIZING SIZE WITH VEST COMPONENTS The EksoVest is designed to be customized for each operator (see MEASUREMENT AND FITTING INFORMATION beginning on page 7). Select the sizes that match the operator’s measurements; assemble and attach or install the customized components as described in this section.

Torso Tubes

Vest Customized to A4

Vest Customized to B4

1. Based on operator’s measurement, determine if torso tube setting size is in the A or B range. 2. If A, press lower detent button on the bottom tube and slide upper tubes until the middle tube is seated at the A button setting. 3. Once adjusted for A or B, press the highest detent button and slide top tube until button is seated at the appropriate number (1 to 6) setting.

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Hip Belt (S/M or L/XL)

1. Working from the front of vest, slide one side of the hip belt over waist plate. Position the waist plate side and hip belt so that the plate aligns with and “sits” completely in the hip belt’s attachment pocket.

2. Press to connect the waist plate and hip belt’s hook-and-loop fasteners on chosen side.

3. Attach hip belt to opposite side of waist plate, bending plate as needed to attach belt and secure hook-and-loop fasteners.

4. Buckle both straps around the waist plate.

5. Connect each shoulder strap to hip belt with buckle.

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Hip Belt Extender

The hip belt extender expands the width of the hip belt, if needed.

1. Put one hip belt strap through the elastic strap on the hip belt extender and fasten buckle.

2. Wrap hip belt with attached belt extender around waist and repeat step 1 on opposite side. Extender sits inside hip belt, secured by the elastic straps and buckles (see picture).

3. Pull hip belt straps to cinch for a tight but comfortable fit. Arm Cuff and Upper Arm Strap (S, M, or L)

1. Fit arm cuff onto arm cuff plate and work plate into arm cuff pocket until the three snaps line up. Snap in place. Note: Action will require extra force until arm cuff pocket is broken-in.

2. Install upper arm strap to plate with snap.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on opposite side.

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Link Assemblies Adjustment

Rarely, an operator may need to adjust the placement of the link assemblies to improve his/her range of motion. When an operator’s range of motion is hampered, the links don’t move freely around the operator’s back and shoulders. Instead, the links press into the operator’s back (see photo). This restriction would be particularly felt when an operator reaches in front with his/her arms.

Each side of the torso plate has three sets of top-and-bottom holes for link assembly attachment (these holes are circled in the picture on the left). The vest’s default setting (the middle pair of holes) is shown in the picture on the right. When range of motion is impeded, the link assemblies must be shifted to the widest adjustment (i.e., the outermost set of holes).

If such an adjustment is needed, reposition each link assembly to a different hole pair as described in the following procedure. Note: Both the left link assembly and the right link assembly must be adjusted to the same placement.

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1. Using a 4-mm hex key, remove the two (2) button head socket cap screws from the torso plate’s (oval) front washer plate.

2. Remove link assembly from torso plate and retain all parts. Repeat on the other link assembly.

3. Properly position one of the torso’s (rectangular) back washer plate on the two bosses of the link base pivot housing. Each back washer plate must be positioned as shown in the adjacent pictures.

Right Arm Link Left Arm Link

4. Position one of the assemblies so that the two link bosses align with the correct torso holes for the desired adjustment. Insert link bosses into these correct holes. (Note: Picture shows the default adjustment placement for the link assemblies.)

5. Position (oval) front washer plate on bosses. Use a 4-mm hex key to install the two (2) button head socket cap screws attaching link assembly to torso. 6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 on the other link assembly.

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ON/OFF SWITCH Each EksoVest arm has an ON/OFF switch (with tether) located on the actuator housing. Switching the vest ON activates the spring support of the actuator. This spring support triggers the actuator and arm cuff plate to move upward with great speed and power unless the arm cuff plate is secured. The arm cuff plate is secured in two ways:

When wearing the vest, the operator

secures the arm cuff plates by properly wearing the arm cuff safety straps and buckling the arm cuffs and upper arm straps around his/her arms. The operator must also keep his/her arm fully down (i.e., directly at his/her side) when flipping the switch ON/OFF. See adjacent picture.

When the vest in not being worn, the arm cuff plate must be firmly held to secure the plate and actuator as the arm moves up. See adjacent pictures.

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WARNING: High-Pressure Spring Secure arm cuff plate before turning ON to avoid injury.

The ON/OFF switch and labels (shown in the OFF position).

Switch is Up and is in the ON position.

Switch is Down and is in the OFF position.

Note: The arm cuff plate is being secured.

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INSTALLING/CHANGING ACTUATOR SPRINGS The EksoVest has four sets of actuator springs that control the level of assistance (“the spring support”) in each arm. Each spring level matches an approximate amount of lift support.

The support level is labeled on each spring’s cap. Level 1 provides the least arm support and Level 4 provides the most. The following table shows the different spring labels and the approximate lift support offered by each of the four different actuator springs.

Spring Cap Labels and Approximate Spring Support (lb./kg)

Support Level 1 Support Level 2 Support Level 3 Support Level 4

5 – 7 lb. 7 – 9 lb. 9 – 12 lb. 12 – 15 lb. (2.2 – 3.1 kg) (3.1 – 4.0 kg) (4.0 – 5.4 kg) (5.4 – 6.8 kg)

Ekso Bionics ships all General Configuration Vests with four (4) sets of springs; each Specific Worker Vest is shipped with the selected set of support level springs. When first using or when sizing the EksoVest, Ekso Bionics recommends beginning with Level 1 and changing to a spring set with a higher level of support as needed and/or desired by the operator.

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WARNING: Actuator contains high-pressure spring. Secure arm cuff plate as you turn switch lever ON and guide arm cuff plate to full vertical (up) position. Failure to secure the arm cuff plate may result in injury. Changing the actuator spring should be done when the vest is not being worn.

The EksoVest is shipped with protective caps covering both actuator cylinder chambers. These caps must be removed before installing actuator springs for the first time.

Installing/changing the actuator springs must be done when the vest is not being worn. To change the actuator springs:

1. If protective cap is present on actuator, remove cap and store for future use.

2. Secure an arm cuff plate in the down position and then enable that actuator by flipping switch to the ON position.

3. Continue to secure arm cuff plate while carefully guiding the plate to the full vertical (up) position.

4. Unscrew and remove the spring from actuator cylinder chamber.

5. Select the desired spring and insert into actuator cylinder chamber.

6. Screw in the spring, tightening fully by hand.

7. Secure arm cuff plate and then carefully guide the plate to the down position.

8. Flip the switch to the OFF position.

9. Repeat steps 1 to 8 on opposite side, if needed.

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ADJUSTING VEST ACTIVATION ZONE

Each operator experiences an “activation zone” while wearing the EksoVest. The activation zone is the area where the vest provides the spring support to the operator’s arms when the operator performs in-front and/or overhead work.

The vest offers three different activation zone settings:

H (high) setting (usually for overhead work)

“Standard” setting (marked by the middle line)

L (low) setting (usually for in-front work).

The drawing shows how the settings change the starting points and max support areas of each setting’s activation zone. The table below lists the approximate degree (from 0°) for the starting support point and max support point for each of the three settings.

Activation Setting Degree (from 0°) for

Starting Support Point (approximate)

Degree (from 0°) for Max Support

Point (approximate)

Low Setting 15° 105°

Standard Setting 25° 115°

High Setting 35° 125°

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Note: The activation zone for each EksoVest arm may be dialed to different settings and/or one arm may be turned off. Ekso Bionics ships the vest set to “standard” for both arms.

As described in the following procedure, adjusting the vest activation zone setting must be done when the vest is not being worn. Personal comfort and preference should always guide which activation zone setting to use for each arm.

WARNING: Actuator contains high-pressure spring. Secure arm cuff plate throughout adjustment of the activation zone. Failure to secure arm cuff plate may result in injury.

To adjust the activation zone for vest arms:

1. Secure an arm cuff plate in the down position and then enable that actuator by flipping switch to the ON position.

Socket Head Cap Screw

High Setting Low Setting

Standard Setting

2. Continue to secure arm cuff plate while carefully guiding the arm cuff plate to the full vertical (up) position.

3. Use a 4-mm hex key to loosen the top socket head cap screw on the end link. Loosen the screw approximately one-quarter turn.

4. Use end link labeling as a guide to dial the setting to H (high) or low (L) as desired; adjustment may also be set at standard setting (middle line). See adjacent pictures.

5. When the indicator is at desired setting, retighten the screw. Ensure that the split clamp is evenly spaced (arrows in picture point to split clamp spacing).

6. Secure the arm cuff plate and then carefully guide the secured arm cuff plate to the down position.

7. Flip the switch to the OFF position. 8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 on the

opposite side, as needed.

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DONNING AND DOFFING THE EKSOVEST

WARNING: Ensure switch is in the OFF position prior to donning/doffing vest to avoid injury. Failure to wear the arm cuff safety straps can result in injury.

To don the EksoVest:

1. Put arms through shoulder straps as you would with a backpack.

2. Buckle hip belt across hips and cinch to tighten.

3. Buckle the chest strap; keep somewhat loose.

4. Slip each arm through appropriate arm cuff safety strap.

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5. Buckle lower arm cuff strap and tighten; repeat on other side.

6. Buckle upper arm cuff strap and tighten; repeat on other side.

7. Keep arms at sides.

8. Reach across body with one arm and flip switch to the ON position. Repeat on other side

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Note: For the best fit and comfort, be sure that the actuator tops are even with the tops of the operator’s shoulders (see drawing).

For operator safety, the switches must be in the OFF (down) position before doffing the vest. The switches must always be in the OFF (down) position before the operator unfastens arm cuff straps and removes his/her arms from the vest.

Doff the vest by unfastening buckles, straps, etc. and removing the vest components in the opposite order in which they were donned.

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MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Issue Solution/Maintenance Frequency of Maintenance

Vest soft goods are dirty and/or sweaty.

Wash soft goods in washing machine using laundry detergent and cold water; use a low-heat dryer cycle. Ekso Bionics recommends washing and drying items in a mesh bag.

As needed from wear

Actuator springs are loose. Make sure that both actuator springs are seated tightly.

Daily

Soft goods are damaged. Examine all soft goods (arm cuffs, upper arm straps, hip belt, shoulder straps, hip belt extender, and torso plate mesh) visually and manually. Examine both sides of each soft good and all stitching for visible damage, discoloration, or deterioration; manually inspect the material with fingers to feel for wear, such as tearing, fraying, unevenness, or loose threads. Examine snaps and buckles and verify proper operation. If any damage or deterioration is discovered, discontinue use.

Weekly

The magnetic arm cuff and upper arm strap buckles are not seating properly.

Inspect magnetic buckles. Clear any debris and clean with cloth and/or compressed air.

As needed

Actuator spring does not thread in smoothly.

Inspect actuator spring threads. If dirty or dusty, clean with cloth and/or compressed air before inserting spring into actuator assembly.

As needed

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APPENDIX A: COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES These items are shipped as part of the EksoVest (Note differences between the Specific Worker Vest and General Configuration Vest)

Item Qty Part Number

Specific Worker Vest

(107416)

General Configuration

Vest (106759)

Picture

VEST HARDWARE

EksoVest (Base Unit) 1 106740 Included Included

SOFT GOODS

Torso Neck Roll 1 106705 One Size Only;

Included One Size Only;

Included

Hip Belt 1 106230 (S/M) 106231 (L/XL)

One; Size As Ordered

Arm Cuffs L/R set

106761 (S) 106762 (M) 106763 (L)

One Set; Size As Ordered

Upper Arm Straps 1 set

106764 (S) 106765 (M) 106766 (L)

One Set; Size As Ordered

Compression Arm Sleeves 1 set 107372 (S/M)

107373 (L/XL) One Set; Size As Ordered

Hip Belt Extender 1 106706 Not Included One Size Only;

Included

SPRINGS (cap label shown)

Actuator Springs 1 set

Level 1: 107367 Level 2: 107368 Level 3: 107369 Level 4: 107370

One Set; Level As Ordered

(extra sets shipped in storage compartment)

DOCUMENTATION

Titles 1 1

107182 106892 Included Included EksoVest Quick Start Guide


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Item Qty Part Number

Specific Worker Vest

(107416)

General Configuration

Vest (106759)

Picture

STORAGE ITEMS

Storage Bag 1 106888 Not Included Included

Spring Storage Compartment

(within storage bag)

1 107363 Not Included Included

Accessory Bag 1 106889 Not Included Included

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Ekso Bionics, Inc. Customer Service: 888-869-7683

106892 eksovest operator manual - ekso bionics

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