Driving Module with Differential Gear Ratios for Motion Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for individuals with joint problems or elderly individuals lack the ability to simultaneously drive multiple supporting modules with different relative positions using a single driving source, limiting their mobility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus that utilizes a single driving source to power multiple supporting modules through a system of gear ratios and power transmitting mechanisms, allowing for asymmetric connections and selective power application to achieve varying relative positions and motions, such as walking assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving source is used to power multiple supporting modules, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve different relative positions and motions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A power transmitting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single driving source and multiple supporting modules. This mechanism includes differential gear structures that can distribute power to different modules while allowing them to achieve different relative positions and motions, thus resolving the contradiction between using a single driving source and maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable gear ratios in the power transmitting mechanism, allowing the transmission ratio between the driving source and each supporting module to be changed. This enables the system to achieve different relative positions and motions of supporting modules while still using a single driving source, thereby maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual motors are provided at each joint portion, then different relative positions and motions can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple driving functions into a single driving source by incorporating a power transmitting mechanism with differential gear structures. This mechanism can simultaneously control multiple supporting modules with different relative positions and motions, effectively combining the functions of multiple individual motors into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving source is designed with universal capability through the power transmitting mechanism, which can distribute power to multiple supporting modules with different gear ratios. This allows one driving source to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate motors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If gear ratios are made different for each supporting module, then mobility and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gear ratio configuration where the transmission ratio between the driving source and each supporting module can be varied. This is achieved through selectable gear mechanisms or continuously variable transmissions in the power transmitting mechanism, allowing the system to optimize mobility and efficiency for different motion requirements while keeping the overall structure integrated rather than overly complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a driving module and motion assistance apparatus including the driving module. The driving module comprising a driving source configured to transmit power; an input side rotary body connected to the driving source and configured to rotate; and a first decelerator and a second decelerator configured to operate using the power received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, wherein at least one of the first decelerator and the second decelerator comprises a planet gear connected to an outer circumferential surface of the input side rotary body and configured to rotate with respect to an axis of rotation thereof and/or revolve around the input side rotary body using the power received through the input side rotary body; a carrier connected to the axis of rotation of the planet gear and configured to rotate when the planet gear revolves around the input side rotary body; a ring gear including an inner circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface configured to be connected to the planet gear; and a pulley configured to act as an output terminal of the at least one of the first decelerator and the second decelerator, the pulley including an outer circumferential surface for winding a power transmitting member configured to transmit the power from the input side rotary body to another member connected to the driving module over said surface.