Assist Device Movable Thigh Brace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assist devices that transmit force to the thighs to aid in lifting heavy objects can cause discomfort due to rigid braces that do not follow the user's movements, leading to pressure and rubbing sensations.
Innovation Solution
An assist device with a first brace worn on the waist and an arm that extends along the thigh, featuring a rotatable second brace held by a movable holding portion, allowing for adjustment to the user's body shape and movement, reducing pressure and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the second brace is firmly secured to the thigh to transmit assist force, then the assist force transmission is improved, but the brace cannot follow user movements causing pressure and rubbing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the arm body, allowing the second brace to dynamically adjust its position along the arm. This dynamic configuration enables the brace to follow thigh movements while maintaining firm contact for force transmission, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and movement compatibility.
2Force
If the second brace is firmly secured to the thigh, then the assist force transmission is improved, but small or large users cannot put the braces on properly causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The movable holding portion allows the second brace to be easily positioned at different locations along the arm body. Users can adjust the brace to fit their specific thigh dimensions and preferences, making it easy for both small and large users to properly put on the braces while maintaining effective force transmission.
3Device complexity
If the second brace is fixed to the arm body, then the structure is simplified, but the brace cannot move or rotate according to body shape and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed with movability along the longitudinal direction of the arm body, enabling the second brace to adapt to different body shapes and movements. This dynamic feature adds adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through guided linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portion adds a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction of the arm body, transforming the fixed two-dimensional attachment into a three-dimensional adjustable connection. This allows the brace to move along the length of the arm while maintaining contact, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assist device includes: a first brace configured to be worn on at least a waist of a user; an arm configured to extend along a thigh of the user and to rotate with respect to the first brace; an actuator configured to generate torque that rotates the arm; and a second brace provided on the arm and configured to be worn on the thigh. The arm includes an arm body and a holding portion. The holding portion is provided on the arm body such that the holding portion is movable in a longitudinal direction of the arm body. The holding portion holds the second brace such that the second brace is rotatable.