Single-Source Driving Module for Motion Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for lower body parts often require multiple motors and complex joint structures, which can be bulky and inefficient, failing to effectively transmit power to multiple supporting modules simultaneously or alternately, limiting their usability for various motion assistance scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A driving module with a single driving source that utilizes multiple decelerators and power transmitting members to transmit power to multiple supporting modules simultaneously or alternately, featuring a 3-port system with planetary gear, pulley, or harmonic drive mechanisms to manage power distribution and restraint, allowing for efficient and asymmetric power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple motors and complex joint structures are used to drive multiple supporting modules, then power transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple driving functions into a single driving source by using a multi-port decelerator that can simultaneously or alternately transmit power to multiple supporting modules. This consolidation reduces the number of motors from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The decelerator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can transmit power to different supporting modules simultaneously or alternately, and can operate in different transmission modes (first transmission mode for simultaneous power transmission, second transmission mode for alternate power transmission). This universal component replaces multiple specialized motors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to drive multiple supporting modules simultaneously, then power distribution capability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple motor control functions are merged into a single driving source controlled by one controller. The controller manages power distribution to multiple supporting modules through the multi-port decelerator, simplifying operation and maintenance by reducing the number of independent motor systems from multiple to one.
3Volume of moving object
If a single driving source is used to drive multiple supporting modules, then device compactness is improved, but power transmission efficiency to multiple modules simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-port decelerator acts as an intermediary between the single driving source and multiple supporting modules. It efficiently transmits and distributes the driving force from one source to multiple modules through its multiple output ports, maintaining power transmission efficiency while enabling device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different transmission modes: first transmission mode for simultaneous power transmission to multiple modules when high power distribution is needed, and second transmission mode for alternate power transmission when sequential operation is sufficient. This dynamic adaptation maintains power transmission efficiency across different operational scenarios.
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
The solution enables a compact and efficient motion assistance apparatus that can drive multiple supporting modules with a single driving source, providing suitable assistance for both level and inclined walking by selectively adjusting power transmission, thereby enhancing user mobility and reducing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first decelerator, the second decelerator, and the third decelerator may be a planetary gear type using a sun gear as the corresponding input terminal, and using a carrier and a ring gear as the corresponding two output terminals
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first decelerator, the second decelerator, and the third decelerator may be a type that transmits power by rolling friction using three pulleys as the corresponding input terminal and the corresponding two output terminals
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the first decelerator, the second decelerator, and the third decelerator may be a harmonic drive type using a wave generator as the corresponding input terminal, and using a flexspline and a circular spline as the corresponding two output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A driving module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same may be provided. For example, the driving module including a driving source disposed on one side of a user, and configured to provide power, a first decelerator including a first input terminal coupled to the driving source, and a first output terminal and a second output terminal configured to receive power from the first input terminal, a second decelerator including a second input terminal coupled to the first output terminal, and a third output terminal and a fourth output terminal configured to receive power from the second input terminal, and a third decelerator including a third input terminal coupled to the second output terminal, and a fifth output terminal and a sixth output terminal configured to receive power from the third input terminal may be provided.