Adaptive Torque Control for Wearable Motion Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance devices fail to provide optimal torque adjustment based on user size and weight, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort, particularly for individuals with varying body compositions or joint issues.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus with a fixing device, driver, support, sensor, and controller that measures the width or size of the user and adjusts the driving torque between a minimum and maximum torque based on the measured values, using sensors like linear potentiometers or LVDTs to determine the appropriate torque pattern for efficient and comfortable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed torque is provided by the driver, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to users with different body sizes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque adjustment by enabling the driver to vary rotation power based on real-time sensor measurements of user body dimensions. The system transitions from a static fixed-torque mechanism to a dynamic system that continuously adapts torque output according to measured user parameters, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the torque parameter dynamically based on measured user body size and weight. The controller adjusts the driving torque within a predetermined range according to sensor data, allowing the system to adapt to different users without requiring completely different device configurations, thus maintaining relative structural simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Force
If the driver generates high rotation power, then it can support heavier users, but it causes discomfort and inefficiency for lighter users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the driving torque parameter based on measured user characteristics. For lighter users, the controller reduces torque within the predetermined range to prevent discomfort, while for heavier users it increases torque to provide adequate support. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between providing sufficient force for heavy users and ensuring comfort for light users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing device is made adjustable for different widths, then it fits more users, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable fixing device with movable components that can dynamically adapt to different user widths. The fixing device includes adjustable side frames or straps that can be positioned to match various body dimensions, enabling the system to fit diverse users while maintaining a relatively straightforward adjustment mechanism.
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 apparatus provides customizable torque support that adapts to individual user sizes and weights, enhancing mobility and reducing discomfort by optimizing torque distribution, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor comprises: a linear potentiometer including, a variable resistor having a first side and a second side, the first side connected to the controller and the second side connected to one of the first side frame and the second side frame, and a magnetic body connected to the fixing knob, the magnetic body configured to change a resistance value of the variable resistor based on a location of the magnetic body
Implementation Method 2
the sensor comprises: a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) sensor including, a core connected to the fixing knob, and a main body connected to one of the first side frame and the second side frame, the main body configured to transmit width data to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus including a fixing module attached to a user, a driving module fixed to the fixing module to generate rotation power, a supporting module configured to support a portion of a body of the user and driven by the driving module, a sensor configured to measure a width of the fixing module, and a controller configured to adjust the rotation power of the driving module based on the measured width.