EksoVest Operator Manual

EksoVest Operator Manual February 2018

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3 Copyright 2018 Part Number 2 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 Trademarks Ekso, Ekso Bionics, Ekso Works, EksoWorks, Amplifying You, and DEFY GRAVITY are trademarks of Patents/Patents Pending The EksoVest is U.S. patent pending. Disclaimer, 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 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 industrial@eksobionics.com

4 Standard Limited Warranty Against Defects in Materials and Workmanship 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.

5 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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7 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. Measurement: 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:

8 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. Measurement: 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. Measurement: 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:

9 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 S/M Size 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 Bicep Diameter 9in - 11.5in 23cm - 29cm 11.5in 14in 29cm - 35cm 14in - 16.5in 35cm - 42cm Upper Arm Length 8in 10in 10in 12in 12in 14in+ 20cm - 25cm 25cm - 30cm 25cm - 30cm+ S S S S S or M M M M L Upper Arm Strap Size S M L Inches 9in 11in 11in 14in 14in 17in Centimeters 23cm 28cm 28cm 36cm 36cm 44cm

10 VEST HARDWARE The mechanical and hardware components of each EksoVest are identified in the following drawing and table. Component Identifier A B C D E F G H I Component Name Arm Cuff Plate Actuator Spring ON/OFF Switch and Tether Actuator Activation Zone Indicator Actuator Link Assemblies Torso Plate and Mesh Torso Tubes (bottom, middle, top) Waist Plate

11 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.

12 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.

13 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.

14 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.

15 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.

16 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.

17 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.

18 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.

19 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.

20 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.

21 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 infront 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

22 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. 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. Socket Head Cap Screw High Setting Low Setting Standard Setting

23 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.

24 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

25 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.

26 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Issue Solution/Maintenance Frequency of Maintenance Vest soft goods are dirty and/or sweaty. Actuator springs are loose. Soft goods are damaged. The magnetic arm cuff and upper arm strap buckles are not seating properly. Actuator spring does not thread in smoothly. 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. Make sure that both actuator springs are seated tightly. 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. Inspect magnetic buckles. Clear any debris and clean with cloth and/or compressed air. Inspect actuator spring threads. If dirty or dusty, clean with cloth and/or compressed air before inserting spring into actuator assembly. As needed from wear Daily Weekly As needed As needed

27 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 SPRINGS (cap label shown) Actuator Springs DOCUMENTATION Titles 1 106706 Not Included 1 set 1 1 Level 1: 107367 Level 2: 107368 Level 3: 107369 Level 4: 107370 107182 106892 One Set; Level As Ordered Included One Size Only; Included Included (extra sets shipped in storage compartment) EksoVest Quick Start Guide

28 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

29 Customer Service: 888-869-7683