Adaptive Arm Support Counterbalancing Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm support systems, such as static armrests, are ineffective for tasks requiring moderate to large ranges of motion, leading to fatigue and reduced performance due to the need to constantly resist gravitational forces with the arms extended.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive arm support system that includes a harness worn on the torso with arm supports that follow the user's arm movement, using compensation elements like springs, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems to offset gravitational forces, allowing for free motion and reducing muscle fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static armrest is used to support the arm, then the arm is supported at a fixed position, but the user experiences fatigue when performing tasks requiring large ranges of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support system transitions from a static fixed-position support to a dynamic system that moves with the user's arm. The arm support is coupled to the harness and configured to follow the movement of the user's arm, allowing the support position to change dynamically as the arm moves through different ranges of motion during tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces compensation elements (springs, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems) that apply opposing forces to counterbalance the gravitational force acting on the arm. This counterweight mechanism reduces the muscular effort required by the user to hold the arm extended at various positions.
2Ease of operation
If the arm support follows the user's arm movement, then the user can perform tasks with extended arms without fatigue, but the device complexity increases due to compensation elements and movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support system integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure. The same arm support that provides mechanical support also follows the arm movement through coupling mechanisms, and the compensation elements serve both to counterbalance gravity and to enable the following motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explores replacing purely mechanical compensation systems with alternative technologies. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems can substitute for traditional mechanical springs, allowing for more precise control of the counterbalancing force and potentially reducing mechanical complexity through automated control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If compensation elements are added to offset gravitational force, then muscle fatigue is reduced, but the device complexity and potential interference with arm movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation elements are designed to change their characteristics based on the arm's position and movement. The system adjusts the counterbalancing force dynamically as the arm moves through different angles and positions, ensuring optimal fatigue reduction while minimizing interference with natural arm motion. This adaptive parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain effectiveness across the full range of motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive arm support system effectively counterbalances the weight of the arms, reducing fatigue and enabling extended periods of task performance with minimal interference to the user's movement, thus improving comfort and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
the compensation element(s) may include one or more springs coupled to the arm support to at least partially offset the gravitational force acting on the arm of the user as the user moves without substantially interfering with movement of the user's arm
Implementation Method 2
the arm support configured to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for supporting an arm of a user that includes a harness configured to be worn by the user, and an arm support coupled to the harness and including an arm rest to support an arm of the user. The arm support is configured to accommodate and follow movement of the arm without substantially interfering in such movement. The arm support may at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm. For example, the arm support may transfer at least a portion of the weight of the user's arm to the torso or other region of the user's body and/or may apply an opposing force to at least partially offset the gravitational force acting on the arm.