Electrically operable device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operable devices, such as exoskeletons and suction devices, often lack user-friendly operation methods, particularly for blind operation and efficient parameter setting, due to complex control interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operable device with a manually operable operating element designed for easy access and blind operation, featuring distinctively arranged buttons and haptic feedback, allowing users to control the device via shape, arrangement, and acoustic or gesture-based inputs, which can be attached to a base section on the human body for convenient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex control interface is used, then the device can provide comprehensive control functions, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into distinct functional zones with dedicated buttons for specific operations (e.g., power button, volume buttons, navigation buttons). This segmentation allows comprehensive control functions while maintaining simplicity, as each button has a clear, single purpose that can be operated intuitively without complex menus or sequences.
2Loss of information
If visual indicators are used for operation feedback, then the user can see device status, but blind operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feedback modalities including tactile feedback (vibration patterns, button resistance), acoustic feedback (beeps, voice prompts), and haptic feedback (motor vibrations) to complement visual indicators. This merging ensures that device status and operational confirmation are communicated through multiple senses, maintaining blind operation capability while preserving status visibility for those who can see.
3Device complexity
If the operating element is integrated into the device body, then the device structure is compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary operating element (such as a remote control, wearable device, or separate control panel) that mediates between the user and the main device body. This intermediary can be positioned independently for optimal accessibility while maintaining communication with the device through wireless or wired connections, thus preserving compact device structure while improving operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operable device, which is designed in particular as an exoskeleton or as a suction device, including a base section for attachment to a body section, in particular the torso, of the human body, an actuator and/or drive device, a control device for controlling the actuator and/or drive device, and an operating element which is used for user input to the control device and which is operated by the user of the electrically operable device, a control device for controlling the actuator and/or drive device, and an operating element which is used for user input into the control device and which can be operated manually by the user of the electrically operable device during use of the electrically operable device.