Skelex 360 User manual
Important, read before using.
Skelex 360 manual
Version 1.1
Date of issue: 29-03-2019
CE manual - Skelex 360
Contents
Contents ..................................................................................................................................................1
Legal ........................................................................................................................................................2
Safety ...................................................................................................................................................2
User environment ...............................................................................................................................3
Personal Safety ...................................................................................................................................4
Recommended use .............................................................................................................................4
Use and Care .......................................................................................................................................4
Functionality + Technical specifications ...............................................................................................6
Technical specifications .....................................................................................................................6
Support ................................................................................................................................................7
Freedom of movement .......................................................................................................................7
Usage .......................................................................................................................................................8
Setting up the Skelex 360 exoskeleton .............................................................................................8
Wearing the Skelex 360 exoskeleton ..............................................................................................10
Adjusting the size .............................................................................................................................10
Putting the Skelex 360 on ................................................................................................................14
Taking off and storing .......................................................................................................................20
Maintenance instructions .................................................................................................................24
Cleaning and lubricating ...................................................................................................................26
Troubleshoot .....................................................................................................................................26
Repair ....................................................................................................................................................30
1
Legal
Please read and understand all instructions carefully. Failure to comply with the instructions
listed below may result in product failure or personal injury.
Check frame functionality before each use
The user needs to make sure the frames are securely mounted to the belt and the top of the
harness. Gently trying to pull on the connectors before use is advised. Also, while wearing the
Skelex, moving the arms forward, sideways and overhead in a controlled manner is advised.
Always ensure that the exoskeleton is correctly attached and secured to your body. Do not make
movements that create uncomfortable pressure on any part of your body.
Always wear safety goggles or eye protection when using the exoskeleton.
Unstable support can cause the exoskeleton to bind, causing loss of control and injury.
If you lose control, your arm or shoulder may get trapped and it may cause injury.
Avoid being caught in between the exoskeleton and walls or posts.
If one of the arm straps becomes detached, slowly move your arms down or up and reattach the
arm strap.
Do not grasp the exoskeleton or place your hands too close to the moving shoulder parts. Always
be aware of the location of the exoskeleton’s structural parts to avoid hitting your body or
damaging external structures.
Textile parts may get dirty after prolonged use. Moveable parts could become entangled with
clothing and injury may result, so use caution.
•when experiencing physical complaints or negative side-effects,
•when wearing the Skelex becomes less comfortable,
•when a part is dysfunctional (for example: a buckle or a hinge),
•if you notice visible damage.
Sometimes the solution is to pause and restart getting used to the product. Just stop and remove
the Skelex. Build up the frequency and duration of the usage again.
The Skelex is not safe for use by individuals with one of the following conditions:
•a pacemaker,
•breast implants,
•removal of the axillary lymph nodes,
•clavicle injury,
•shoulder injury (e.g. Frozen shoulder)
Individuals with one of the following conditions should contact a physician prior to using the
Skelex. For example, it can be advised to do an extra slow build-up of the wearing time:
•Shoulder dislocation
•Shoulder muscle rupture
•Shoulder pain during overhead work.
•
User manual - Skelex 360
2
If CPR or a defibrillator has to be used on someone wearing a Skelex, the Skelex must first
be disengaged. Removing the arms can be done by pulling on the loops at the end of the
strap. Move the Skelex arms up and undo the chest strap and Velcro belt.
The Skelex is only intended for professional use.
Only use a Skelex that fits and is sized to your body.
Do not use any flammable substances (e.g. matches, lighters, candles) in the vicinity of the
product. The materials used in the Skelex are not flame retardant.
It is not advised to perform the following activities with Skelex:
•Running,
•Climbing,
•Driving any vehicle outside.
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents. Do not
operate the exoskeleton in explosive environments, such as in the presence of flammable liquids,
gases, or dust. Keep by-standers, children, and visitors away while operating the exoskeleton.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Dress appropriately. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Contain long hair. Keep your hair,
clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery, or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
If your clothing becomes ensnared in the SkelEx hinge, move your arms forward and remove the
clothing from entrapment.
Make sure there are no hard objects in your clothing or pockets that could become pinned
underneath the Skelex.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-slip safety shoes, hard hat,
and hearing protection must be used if the conditions require.
The Skelex must be kept dry. The moving parts of the Skelex must be kept free of any fluids.
The mechanical parts of the Skelex must be kept free of sand and other debris.
Do not stand on (parts of) the Skelex.
Do not place any heavy objects on (parts of) the Skelex.
Misuse can lead to entrapment, with possible injuries.
Never place your hands or fingers near the Skelex hinge!
CE manual - Skelex 360 3
Avoid situations where people might attempt to grab the Skelex, which could lead to a dangerous
situation. Also be aware of your surroundings. The straps and Skelex springs can become
entangled or hooked on things that stick out. Keep the Skelex away from children and pets.
The Skelex is designed for indoor use.
The Skelex may not be used or stored in direct sunlight.
The Skelex may not be used in a setting where the ambient temperature is lower than 0 °C or
higher than 40 °C.
Stay alert, be mindful of what you are doing and use common sense when operating the Skelex.
Do not use the device while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Lack of
attention while operating the exoskeleton may result in serious personal injury.
Keep hands away from moving parts.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Proper footing and balance enable
better control of the exoskeleton in unexpected situations.
Gradually increase rst use of the Skelex: from 2 hour a day, 4 hours a day, 6 hours a day, onwards to the
maximum time of 8 hours a day. Pause the use of Skelex if you feel hindrance.
For optimal use of Skelex, a standing posture is advised. Primary Skelex 360 is designed for
repetitive and static manual work at shoulder level and above. The Skelex 360 is not a lifting
device. Also, sitting against a backrest or laying on the floor with Skelex 360 is possible, but not
recommended.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition
that may affect the exoskeleton operation.
If damaged, have the exoskeleton serviced before using. Accidents might be caused by poorly
maintained exoskeletons. Use only parts that are recommended by the manufacturer for your
model.
Keep attachment points dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
4User manual - Skelex 360
Regularly check (according to extent of use) for visible damage, whether all parts are still
securely attached without play and functioning of the adjustments.
Make sure that the exoskeleton is correctly maintained. After every use, check for tears and/or
damage. Height and width adjustments, as well as other moving parts, need to be checked every
four weeks to ensure proper and safe functioning of the exoskeleton. Refer to the Maintenance
Instructions for period checks.
For customer service and repair, please contact your supplier.
Service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed
by unqualified personnel could result in risk of injury.
When servicing the device, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the
manual of the service parts.
Use of unauthorized parts of failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
injury. Certain cleaning agents may damage plastic, metal or textile parts.
To clean the Skelex, use a moist cloth, lukewarm/hot water and a mild cleaning product (no
cleaning products that contain solvents).
Make sure no water gets into the moving parts. Never immerse the Skelex in water.
Do not use any solvents, bleach, polisher or detergent.
As the exoskeleton has textile and metal parts, it needs to be stored in a dry environment. Apply
the same storage and transport approach for the exoskeleton that is recommended and used for
any power tool.
When transporting the device, make sure that the arm supports are detached from the harness.
Also unload the arm supports by placing them in most upward position.
When the Skelex is not being used, preferred method of storage is to hang it on a coat hanger or
in a clothes locker. Make sure that it is stored in a dry place.
Please contact the supplier if you no longer need the product or if it needs to be disposed of on
account of depreciation. The supplier will ensure that it is disposed of properly.
User manual - Skelex 360 5
Functionality + Technical specications
Skelex consists of two frames, a detachable washable harness and two arm cups. The two frame
halves contain carbon fibre springs that provide the lifting power. The shoulder hinges make the
movement of the arms feel weightless. When the arms are down, the force is minimized, allowing
your arms to stay relaxed. The force adjustments allow for stepless adjustment of support.
Exploded view Skelex 360
6
SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSION SHIPPING AND
STORING PACKAGE
W: 800 * D 380 * H 180 mm
TOTAL WEIGHT INCLUDING FABRICS 2.7 kg.
SUPPORTING FORCE Adjustable
LOWEST SUPPORT SETTING
BALANCES
0.5 kilogram per arm.
MAXIMUM SUPPORT SETTING
BALANCES
3.5 kilogram per arm.
MODE Dual arm and single arm possible
PADDING Synthetic mesh: Breathable and
washable
User dimensions (cm) minimum maximum
Shoulder width 42
58
Torso length
44 55
Pelvic circumference
84 128
Upper arm circumference
20 42
User manual - Skelex 360
Skelex supports arms during static and dynamic work at and above shoulder level. The
supporting force counteracts the gravitational force on the arms. When the Skelex support is
correctly initiated, the arms should feel balanced and weightless within normal arm movement.
The Skelex 360 allows normal human arm movements. Due to the low friction hinges and joints,
the movement of the users are unhindered. Full horizontal arm movements are possible with
continue support. Also, torso movements like bending, squatting and rotation are unhindered.
User manual - Skelex 360 7
Usage
Setup the Skelex 360 exoskeleton by following the steps below. Attach the frames to the harness
and mount the arm cups to the end of the arms.
Components of Skelex 360 exoskeleton
8
Quick Start Guide Manual Warranty card
Parts in package
1x Left frame
1x Left arm cup (Medium)
1x Right frame
1x Right arm cup (Medium)
1x Harness including belt
1x instruction manual
1x Quick start guide
1x Warranty card, end user.
Front Back
Important, read before using.
Skelex 360 manual
Version 1.1
Date of issue: 29-03-2019
Skelex 360° Quick Start Guide
Assembly
Put the plastic
connectors on the
top of the frames
Front view
1
Click the arm cups
in the correct device
arm
Put the loops on
the device base
frames
Put the base
frames in the belt
sockets
User manual - Skelex 360
Assemble the Skelex by following next steps:
Put the base frame through strap loop
Plug the bottom of the frames on the corresponding belt pockets
MINAX connection
Press the arm cups onto the arm until you hear a click and check if it is fixed correctly.
User manual - Skelex 360 9
Before putting the Skelex 360 exoskeleton on, set it to your personal body size. Correct sizing will
increase the fit, function, improve the range of motion and will provide the best arm support
when working. After proper sizing it is also much easier to put the Skelex 360 exoskeleton on.
Follow the next easy steps to measure your torso length, waist dimension and arm size.
Afterwards adjust the belt width, frame height, arm length and select the corresponding arm cup
size prior to putting it on.
Skelex 360 exoskeleton belt width – halve hip circumference
Measure the distance from your left side to right side in centimetres Measure around your
Adjust the width of the Skelex belt so your measurement is visible next to the indicator in centre
of the belt.
User manual - Skelex 360
10
Skelex 360 exoskeleton height – Torso length
Measure the straight vertical distance from your ventral hip bone to the top of the shoulder.
Take the measurement in centimetres. You feel the ventral hip bone with your fingertips if you
have your hands on your waist. Only measure in a straight line, do not curve over shoulder.
Adjust the length of the Skelex 360 frames. Unscrew the locking screw and adjust the height
until your body measurement in cm. is visible the window.
The range of the adjustment is possible from 44 to 55 cm If your body measurement exceeds
this range in adjustment, try the setting that is closest to your body measurement.
Skelex advises to set the arm length, visible in the height adjustment window, next to the
height adjustment setting.
To adjust the Skelex 360 exoskeleton arm length, loosen the thumb screw and adjust the
length by moving the arm relative to the Skelex hinge. Afterwards, tighten the thumbscrew.
1-0001-R
44
S
LMS
1-0001-R
User manual - Skelex 360 11
Skelex 360 exoskeleton Arm cup size – Arm biceps circumference
Measure the circumference of your upper arm. Keep your upper arm horizontal and take the
measurement halfway your arm or on the largest part of your biceps muscle.
Use the table below to select the arm cup that fits your arm measurement best. If there are two
possibilities, Skelex advises to use the larger size arm cup. If your measurement is not on the
table, use the arm cup that is closest to your arm measurement and be aware of possible
discomfort during use.
Skelex arm cup size and upper arm circumference dimensions.
Arm circumference
Arm cup size
200 - 280 mm
Small
270 - 350 mm
Medium
340 - 420 mm
Large
To remove the arm cup, press on the button at the end of the Skelex arm and pull out the
arm cup. Place the correct arm cup into the Skelex arm in the correct orientation and
push it in until it is locked in place. Check the lock by trying to pull the arm cup from the
arm.
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Force adjustment – Related to total body weight.
Skelex advises to adjust the supporting force according to your body weight.
Body weight Adjustment setting
50
1st
65
2nd
80
3rd
95
4th
Open the blue lever at the end of the Skelex hinge and rotate it until the force indicator is at the
desired position. When a heavy tool is used for longer periods of time, it is possible to use a
higher supporting force. Skelex advises to increase the force by one step maximum.
User manual - Skelex 360 13
Close the belt with some tension with the elastic parts on the pelvic bones.
Make sure the belt is symmetrically on your left and right hip
111111
1
Put the Skelex 360 exoskeleton on like a backpack by holding it at the shoulder straps.
User manual - Skelex 360
Before putting the Skelex 360 exoskeleton on, make sure the belt, frames and arms are correctly
sized to your body dimensions. Follow the steps described at ‘Adjusting the size’.
Open the Velcro from the belt, open the chest strap buckle, loosen the shoulder straps and
open the arm cup straps.
14
Close the chest strap at a comfortable height and tighten the strap so the shoulder straps are
away from the arm pit.
Tighten shoulder straps for a comfortable fit.
Move your arms vertically up and fully to the side to check your range of motion. The Skelex
360 harness can obstruct clothing movement.
2
3
2
3
User manual - Skelex 360 15
Pull arm cup down by pulling on the loop at the end of the strap.
16 User manual - Skelex 360
Checking the t and fine-tuning
Make sure the belt is on your pelvic bones and it is not sliding down when the arms are lifted.
Also check the position of the belt hinges. They must be symmetrical and slightly to the rear.
When you move your arms down, you should not touch the belt hinges.
User manual - Skelex 360 17
Skelex 360 shoulders should barely touch your shoulders when the arms are forward.
Adjust the strap at the back to move the shoulders closer or away from your shoulders.
Check if the hinge is on the side of your shoulder.
When the arms are down, there must be about 2 finger thickness space between the top of the
shoulder and the spring.
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Table of contents
