Bistable Spring Wearing Module for Easy Donning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion assistance apparatuses are difficult for users with physical disabilities to put on independently, requiring assistance due to complex fastening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A wearing module with a curved main support portion, a connection support portion, a bistable spring, and adjustable straps, allowing for easy donning by transitioning between stable states based on the spring's recovery force, enabling self-application without external help.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex fastening mechanism is used to ensure secure fitting, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddonning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a bistable spring mechanism that changes its stiffness parameter between two stable states. In the first stable state, the spring exhibits high stiffness to maintain secure connection, while in the second stable state, it exhibits low stiffness to allow easy donning. This parameter change enables the fastening system to provide both easy operation during donning and reliable connection during use, resolving the technical contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a simple fastening mechanism is used to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedonning easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a dynamic fastening mechanism where the connection state can transition between two stable states. The bistable spring allows the system to dynamically switch between a connected state (first stable state) and a disconnected state (second stable state). This dynamic特性 enables users to easily don and doff the apparatus while maintaining reliable connection when worn, resolving the contradiction between simple fastening and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple adjustment components are added to enable self-adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the bistable spring automatically transitions between stable states based on the donning process, without requiring complex adjustment components. The user simply needs to apply force to initiate the transition, and the system self-adjusts to the appropriate stable state. This eliminates the need for multiple adjustment components while maintaining ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between self-adjustment capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables users to wear the motion assistance apparatus independently by simplifying the donning process through automatic adjustment and secure fitting, enhancing user autonomy and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a bistable spring connected, directly or indirectly, to each of the main support portion and the connection support portion and maintained in at least one of a first stable state and a second stable state through recovery force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230414437A1Wearing module and motion assistance apparatus comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.12.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20230414437A1 patent drawing
  • US20230414437A1 patent drawing
  • US20230414437A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wearing module may include: a cover; a main support portion including a main support portion body, and a main support portion head; a connection support portion comprising a connection support portion body, a length adjustment strap, and a sliding strap; and a bistable spring which may be connected to each of the main support portion and the connection support portion, and may be maintained in one of two stable states due to its recovery force. Other various embodiments are possible.