Implementation and Testing of a Mechanical Counterpressure Bio-Suit System

The Bio-Suit System is a modular spacesuit concept based on mechanical counterpressure. Two types of Bio-Suit leg prototypes have been developed and tested: a shape-responsive hybrid series and an elastic band series. We previously demonstrated the hybrid concept could successfully provide a uniform 29kPa counterpressure on the calf and thus developed a full-leg version. This prototype maintained a low profile but did not sustain constant volume during knee flexion. More success was achieved with two variations of elastic band prototypes. The first variation, detached bands, maintained joint mobility but encountered numerous practical difficulties. The second variation, elastic bindings, showed encouraging preliminary results and could be enhanced in the future with the use of smart materials.