Ball Mount Coupling for Motion Assistance Device Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance devices risk damage and user injury due to direct transmission of external forces to the actuator when the user experiences sudden movements or changes in direction, as the distal support is directly connected to the drive frame.
Innovation Solution
A ball mount coupling structure is introduced, featuring a knob with a unique shape and flexible ribs that can separate from the drive frame under external force, allowing the distal support to move independently and reducing the risk of damage and injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the distal support is directly connected to the drive frame, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the risk of damage to the actuator and injury to the user increases when external forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the distal support and drive frame is segmented into multiple components: distal support, slider housing, slider, knob, main groove, and ribs. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural integrity during normal operation while enabling independent movement under external forces, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the actuator and injury to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The slider can move within the slider housing, and the knob can rotate within the main groove, allowing the distal support to independently respond to external forces. This dynamic capability reduces the transmission of harmful forces to the actuator while maintaining structural strength during normal use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distal support is directly connected to the drive frame, then the stability during normal movement is improved, but the ability to absorb external forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the slider can move within the slider housing and the knob can rotate within the main groove. This dynamic design allows the distal support to maintain stability during normal movement while absorbing external forces through controlled movement, preventing force transmission to the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider and knob act as intermediary elements between the distal support and drive frame. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate external forces through their movement and rotation, protecting the actuator from direct force transmission while maintaining the structural connection during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid connection structure is used between distal support and drive frame, then the manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but the protection against external forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple segments (distal support, slider housing, slider, knob, main groove, ribs) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each component while enabling the overall system to provide protection against external forces through their coordinated movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly creates a dynamic protection mechanism where the slider moves within the slider housing and the knob rotates within the main groove when external forces are applied. This dynamic behavior provides protection against external forces while maintaining assembly simplicity through standardized components and clear assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable motion assistance device may include a proximal support part for supporting the proximal portion of a user, a distal support part for supporting the distal portion of the user, and actuator, which is connected to the proximal support part and generates power, a driving frame, which is connected to the actuator and may include a front frame covering the front surface of the distal portion and having a main groove, a slider housing, which is connected to the distal support part and faces the front frame, a slider provided to be slidable in the slider housing, and a knob, which is connected to the slider, can be inserted into the main groove in a state in which the knob is provided to be parallel with the main groove, and is maintained, by at least a pair of ribs, in a state in which the knob is accommodated in the main groove if the knob rotates while inserted into the main groove.