Elastic Clutch Mechanism With Single-Sensor Force and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clutch mechanisms in lift-assist exosuits require separate and often bulky or inaccurate sensors for measuring displacement and force, leading to increased power consumption and reduced battery life, necessitating a more efficient solution for integrated force and motion sensing.
Innovation Solution
A clutch mechanism incorporating a spool, a disk with rotational elasticity, a spring mechanism, ball bearings, cam plungers, solenoids, and a magnetic sensor to measure both the disk and spool movement in unlocked and locked modes, allowing for single-sensor measurement of displacement and force, reducing size, weight, and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate force sensors (load cells) are used to measure displacement and force, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines force measurement and displacement measurement functions into a single sensor system. The load cell integrates both force sensing and position tracking capabilities, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall device weight while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - measuring both force magnitude and displacement position within a single device. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of components needed and decreases the overall weight of the wearable device.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure displacement and force, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges displacement sensing and force sensing into a single integrated sensor system. By using one sensor to perform both measurement functions simultaneously, the system reduces the total power consumption compared to using multiple separate sensors, while maintaining the precision needed for both measurements.
3Measurement precision
If accurate force sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates force measurement and displacement measurement capabilities within a single sensor unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing the number of separate components, connection points, and calibration procedures needed, while still delivering accurate force measurement performance.
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 efficient and accurate measurement of both displacement and force, reducing the complexity and power demands of wearable devices, while providing real-time biofeedback and control for assistive devices, thereby enhancing user safety and reducing biomechanical loading.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for measuring the movement of at least one of the disk and the spool in the unlocked mode and for measuring the movement of the spool relative to the disk when in a locked mode
Implementation Method 2
a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism may include a power spring
Implementation Method 3
The mechanism configured for locking and unlocking the disk for movement includes at least one ball bearing, at least one cam plunger, and at least one solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
A clutch mechanism includes a spool that is configured to receive a cable, a disk with elasticity, a mechanism configured for locking and unlocking the movement of the disk, and at least one sensor. The at least one sensor being configured to measure the movement of at least one of the disk and the spool in the unlocked mode and to measure the movement of the spool relative to the disk when in a locked mode.