Adaptive Leg Exercise Assistance with Hip-Angle Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assist devices struggle to provide adaptive and efficient assistance for users with reduced muscular strength or joint problems, particularly in recognizing exercise initiation and adjusting torque application based on user posture.
Innovation Solution
An exercise assist device that receives user input signals to control torque application based on measured joint angles, adjusting between assistance and resistance torque types, and automatically recognizes standing postures to initiate and terminate exercise assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If torque is continuously applied to assist walking, then user mobility is improved, but user muscle strength training effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies torque in periodic cycles corresponding to the walking gait pattern, providing assistance only during specific phases (stance phase and swing phase) rather than continuously. This allows muscle training during other phases while maintaining mobility assistance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque application is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of user posture and gait phase. The controller modulates torque magnitude and direction according to the detected joint angles and walking cycle, enabling adaptive assistance that responds to user needs while promoting muscle engagement.
2Ease of operation
If torque magnitude is increased to provide stronger assistance, then user mobility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes torque parameters (magnitude, direction, timing) based on detected gait phase and user needs. Torque is applied at optimal moments in the walking cycle and adjusted in magnitude according to the user's actual assistance requirements, minimizing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from joint angle sensors to detect user posture and gait phase, then adjusts torque application accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures torque is applied only when and where needed, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining effective assistance.
3Productivity
If exercise assist mode is activated continuously, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects gait phase and user posture using onboard sensors, then autonomously determines when to apply torque and at what magnitude. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining effective exercise assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with electronic sensing and control. Joint angle sensors and a controller substitute for mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while enabling precise torque control.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise assist method includes receiving a user input signal comprising exercise setting information from an external device; measuring, based on the user input signal, a joint angle of a hip joint of a user wearing an exercise assist device configured to assist a user in performing a leg movement; and controlling torque of the exercise assist device to be applied to a leg of the user based on the measured joint angle and the exercise setting information.