A structure for increasing prosthesis control signals

Abstract

The application relates to a structure for increasing the control signal of a prosthesis, which is characterized in that a Hall element is arranged on the inner side of the prosthesis front shell and the upper arm shell, a magnet is arranged on the side of the user's trunk close to the prosthesis, the user moves the prosthesis to make the Hall element close to the magnet on the trunk, and the Hall element outputs the control signal of the prosthesis, thereby solving the problem of insufficient myoelectric control signals generated by the stump muscle in the myoelectric control of the upper limb prosthesis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of prosthetics, and particularly to myoelectric prosthetics and bionic hands. Background Technology

[0002] Due to various factors such as work-related injuries, traffic accidents, war, natural disasters, and congenital defects, upper limb amputation is inevitable. A significant portion of these individuals require externally powered prosthetic hands. Electric prosthetics controlled by electrical signals generated by the residual limb muscles, known as myoelectric prosthetics, are already widespread. However, as the range of motion of prosthetics increases, relying solely on residual limb myoelectric signals for control becomes increasingly difficult. This is due to a combination of factors, including muscle loss, injury, and atrophy in the residual limb, excessive subcutaneous fat, reduced awareness of muscle control, and the difficulty in detecting myoelectric signals from deep muscles. For amputees above the elbow, all forearm muscles are lost, making it impossible to extract forearm myoelectric signals. Therefore, the most common method currently is to extract myoelectric signals from only the strongest pair of extensor and flexor muscles in the residual limb. When the range of motion of the prosthetic hand is high, the control signals become insufficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need to innovate a simple, reliable structure that amputees can easily master to increase the control signals of the prosthetic limb. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A structure for increasing prosthetic control signals includes installing Hall elements on the inner side of the forearm and upper arm shells of the prosthesis, placing a magnet on the prosthesis side of the user's torso, and having the user move the prosthesis to bring the Hall elements close to the magnet on the torso, causing the Hall elements to output prosthetic control signals.

[0004] The Hall element of the forearm prosthesis is located in the middle and rear of the inner side of the forearm shell, and the magnet is placed on the user's waist near the side of the prosthesis. The Hall element of the upper arm prosthesis is located on the inner side of the upper arm shell, and the magnet is placed under the armpit of the user's torso on the side of the prosthesis.

[0005] Because the Hall effect sensor generates a control signal for the prosthesis, which requires movement of the prosthesis, this signal is suitable as a switching signal to change which movement is being controlled. The prosthesis itself does not move; the individual degrees of freedom or coordinated movements of multiple degrees of freedom are still controlled by electromyographic signals. When necessary, it can also be used as a signal to control the movement of the prosthesis.

[0006] Benefits of the Invention

[0007] 1. A structure for generating prosthetic control signals using Hall elements was invented.

[0008] 2. It solves the problem of lack of electromyographic control signals in multi-degree-of-freedom upper limb prostheses. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of implementing the present invention.

[0010] The labels in the diagram are explained as follows:

[0011] 1. Prosthetic upper arm shell

[0012] 2. Magnet

[0013] 3. Hall element

[0014] 4. Prosthetic control system

[0015] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the control system of the structure.

[0016] The labels in the diagram are explained as follows:

[0017] 3. Hall element

[0018] 5. Electromyography (EMG) sensor

[0019] 6. Electromyography (EMG) sensor

[0020] 7. Microprocessor

[0021] 8. Motor drive circuits for each joint of the prosthesis

[0022] 9. Motors for each joint of the prosthesis

[0023] Implementation Examples

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. A Hall element 3 is located on the inner side of the upper arm shell 1 of the prosthesis. A magnet 2 is placed under the armpit on one side of the user's torso. Movement of the residual limb causes the Hall element 3 to approach the magnet 2, generating a signal. A pair of electromyography (EMG) sensors 5 and 6 extract EMG signals from the extensor and flexor muscles of the residual limb, respectively. Both the signals generated by the Hall element 3 and those extracted by the EMG sensors 5 and 6 enter the microprocessor 7. After processing, control signals for each joint are generated. These control signals are input to the drive circuits 8 of the motors in each joint of the prosthesis, driving the motors 9 to rotate. In this embodiment, the addition of the prosthesis control signals generated by the Hall element 3 makes it possible to control a prosthesis with more degrees of freedom.

[0025] In this description, specific embodiments of the invention are described. It is obvious that various modifications and variations can be made, which are still within the scope of the invention. This specification and drawings are illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A structure for increasing control signals for a prosthesis, characterized in that: Hall elements are installed on the inner side of the forearm and upper arm shells of the prosthesis. A magnet is placed on the side of the user's torso near the prosthesis. The user moves the prosthesis so that the Hall element is close to the magnet on the torso, causing the Hall element to output a prosthesis control signal. The Hall element of the forearm prosthesis is placed in the middle and back of the inner side of the forearm shell of the prosthesis, and the magnet is placed on the side of the user's waist near the prosthesis. The Hall element of the upper arm prosthesis is placed on the inner side of the upper arm shell of the prosthesis, and the magnet is placed under the armpit of the user's torso on the side of the prosthesis.

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