Assistive Device Linking Mechanism Single Actuator Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive devices for transferring care receivers either lack comfort due to limited motion range or incur high costs from using multiple actuators.
Innovation Solution
An assistive device with a tiltable actuator and a linking mechanism that allows the support section and arm to swing forward using a single actuator, enabling smooth and comfortable transfers while reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two actuators are used to independently operate the lifting and lowering section and the arm, then the care receiver can be transferred smoothly and comfortably, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate actuators into a single actuator that operates both the arm and support section. The actuator includes a main body section that tilts in the front-rear direction and a movable section that extends and retracts, working together with a linking mechanism to achieve coordinated motion of both components through one actuator unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linking mechanism as an intermediary between the single actuator and the two moving components (arm and support section). The linking mechanism includes a first linking member swingably provided on the arm and a second linking member fixed to the support section, which transfers and coordinates the motion from the single actuator to both components, enabling smooth transfer operation.
2Device complexity
If the support section only swings in an arc, then the structure is simple, but the care receiver cannot use it comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motion control where the support section performs a two-stage operation: first swinging forward in an arc from the initial position to an intermediate position, then moving forward while the arm swings. This dynamic, multi-phase motion pattern provides a more comfortable transfer experience while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the linking mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assistive device configured to assist in boarding a care receiver onto the assistive device, the assistive device comprising: a base; an arm, provided on the base, swingable in a front-rear direction; a support section, supporting a part of a body of the care receiver and provided on the arm, swingable in a front-rear direction; an actuator having a main body section provided on the base and tiltable in a front-rear direction and a movable section configured to extend and retract from the main body section; and a linking mechanism having a first linking member swingably provided on the arm and connected to the movable section, and a second linking member fixed to the support section and engaged with the first linking member; wherein the linking mechanism transfers a first motion, in which the movable section is extended from a shortened position to a predetermined intermediate position, to a forward swinging motion of the support section; and transfers a second motion, in which the movable section is extended from the intermediate position to a fully-extended position, to a forward swinging motion of the arm.