Device Assists Actuation of a Joint in a Pressure Suit

An electromechanical device implements a unique method of actuating a fabric joint in an inflatable structure in particular, the joint in an astronaut's pressure suit. The method is based on the principle that power from an external source can be applied to a non-constant-volume joint in a pressure suit to actuate the joint without human force. Actuation of the joint by power from an external power source enables the astronaut to conserve energy for tasks that require more dexterity.