Adaptive Walking Aid Control for Stair Balance Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses, such as canes and crutches, with fixed lengths can disrupt balance during stair ascent or descent, increasing the risk of accidents for individuals with joint problems or the elderly.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance apparatus that adaptively controls length and stiffness based on user gait motion, using sensors to detect hip joint angles and landing times, and adjusts the apparatus to maintain balance and support the user's upper body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-length cane or crutch is used for gait assistance, then the apparatus structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the balance is disrupted during stair ascent or descent, increasing the risk of accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cane or crutch length adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically modifies the length of the walking assistance apparatus based on detected gait motion patterns, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different walking conditions such as level ground, stair ascent, and stair descent, thereby maintaining balance stability without requiring a complex multi-component structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical parameter of length of the walking assistance apparatus. The control device changes the length parameter in real-time based on gait phase detection, transforming the apparatus from a static fixed-length device to a dynamic variable-length device that optimizes balance for different walking scenarios
2Reliability
If the length of the walking assistance apparatus is made adjustable to maintain balance, then the balance stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated control device that autonomously detects gait motion patterns and adjusts the apparatus length without user intervention. The system monitors gait phase through sensors and automatically modifies the length parameter, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining balance stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where gait motion is continuously detected and fed back to the control device, which then adjusts the apparatus length accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to changing walking conditions, maintaining optimal balance without requiring complex mechanical adjustment components
Data Source
AI summary
A walking assistance apparatus is configured to adaptively control at least one of a length or a stiffness based on a gait motion of a user to assist an upper body of the user.