Electromagnet Holding System (EHS), CONCEPT

This is an explanation for the concept of an Electromagnetic Holding System to be used in multiple gravity environments. The system can include one or more actuation boxes with electromagnets to be placed in different body zones in order to secure that body zone to metal surfaces; in this way one person can stand still while performing a task, or the actuation box can be placed in a boot/shoes, and by detecting the forces applied by a person, it activates and deactivates the electromagnets, allowing a person to walk across the habitat. The system also includes a smartwatch which monitors the actuation boxes and it is possible to define the parameters of these (maximum forces, activation or deactivation threshold, battery status, etc). When performing task in specific places, those places can be equipped with wireless charging system in order to maintain an adequate battery state. Actuation box contains: • Battery; • Wireless charging; • Wireless communication; • Electromagnets; • Force sensors; • Accelerometers; • Others. Smartwatch contains (besides the normal “stuff”): • Wireless connections to the actuation(s) box(es); • It allows to activate/ deactivate actuation boxes; • Status of the actuations boxes; • Others. The main disadvantages are: • Possibly heavy system due to electromagnets and battery sizes; • Requiring recharging and battery replacement after end-life-cycle; • Requiring metal surfaces to attract to. The main advantages are: • Secure locking; • Metal surfaces are more easy to clean when comparing with Velcro surfaces, for example, especially when a disinfected environment must be maintained (medical environment); • Possibility to control the locking force; • Only unlock one box when the other is already lock; • With added localization (not contemplated before) different scenarios can be defined; • The force utilized to unlock the box actuator helps to physically exercise the muscles. To increase battery capacity, all the boxes can be connected to a