Arm support apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm support apparatuses for operators, such as those used in surgical operations, face issues with maintaining consistent supporting force independently of the arm's position and require frequent adjustments, leading to discomfort and usability problems.
Innovation Solution
An arm support apparatus with a multijoint mechanism and counterweight structures that provide adjustable supporting force without using elastic members, allowing the force to be maintained at a desired level regardless of the arm's position, utilizing a combination of links, joints, and weight attachments to balance and support the arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If springs are used to urge the mount portion upward to provide supporting force, then the operator can easily mount and dismount the forearm, but the supporting force changes depending on the location of the mount portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a counterweight mechanism with weights attached to links in the multijoint arm structure to balance the gravitational force on the mount portion. This counterweight system provides a constant supporting force that compensates for the weight of the forearm regardless of the mount portion's position, resolving the issue where spring-based support varies with position.
2Ease of operation
If springs are used to provide supporting force, then the mount portion can be easily moved, but it becomes difficult to adjust the supporting force to a desired level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where weights can be added or removed from the multijoint arm structure to change the supporting force. This allows the operator to adjust the supporting force to desired levels while maintaining ease of movement, as the mechanical structure remains flexible and responsive to the adjusted weight configuration.
3Reliability
If a belt is used to fix the forearm to the mount portion, then the mount portion can follow arm motion, but the belt must be unfastened and fastened frequently which deteriorates usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belt-based fastening mechanism entirely and replaces it with a friction-based contact system where the forearm rests on the mount portion. The multijoint arm structure provides the necessary support and following motion without requiring any fastening or unfastening operations, thereby eliminating the usability deterioration caused by frequent belt adjustments.
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 solution enables consistent and adjustable supporting force, enhancing operator comfort and usability by maintaining the supporting force within a desired range (500-700 g) independently of the arm's position, facilitating precise and long operations like surgery.
Implementation Method 1
When the one or more weight members are attached to the weight attachment, the weight attachment is configured to balance in weight with the mount on which the part of the arm is mounted while applying supporting force to the part of the arm mounted on the mount
Data Source
AI summary
In an arm support apparatus, an weight attachment is provided for at least one specified link in links of a support member supporting a mount to be movable based on rotation of at least one of the links around a corresponding at least one of the joints. The at least one specified link is associated with at least one specified degree of freedom. The weight attachment is configured such that one or more weight members are attachable thereto. When the one or more weight members are attached to the weight attachment, the weight attachment is configured to substantially balance in weight with the mount on which the part of the arm is mounted while applying supporting force to the part of the arm mounted on the mount.