Exoesqueleto para incrementar la fuerza en las rodillasThere are different devices to increase the strength capacity of people with walking
problems. These devices can be classified into exoskeletons, orthotics, and braces. This review
aims to identify the state of the art in the design of these medical devices, based on an analysis
of patents and literature. However, there are some difficulties in processing the records due to
the lack of filters and standardization in the names, generating discrepancies between the search
engines, among others. Concerning the patents, 74 patents were analyzed using search engines
such as Google Patents, Derwent, The Lens, Patentscope, and Espacenet over the past ten years. A
bibliometric analysis was performed using 63 scientific reports from Web of Science and The Lens
in the same period for scientific communications. The results show a trend to use the mechanical
design of exoskeletons based on articulated rigid structures and elements that provide force to move
the structure. These are generally two types: (a) elastic elements and (b) electromechanical elements.
The United States accounts for 32% of the technological patents reviewed. The results suggest that
the use of exoskeletons or orthoses customized to the users’ needs will continue to increase over
the years due to the worldwide growth in disability, particularly related to mobility difficulties and
technologies related to the combined use of springs and actuators
