Electronically Adjustable Joint with Magnetometer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aging simulation suits require time-consuming manual adjustments to stiffen joints and lack remote adjustability during movement, with friction settings being uniform across the motion range, which does not accurately mimic the varying abilities of older adults.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electronically adjustable joints with 3-axis tracking and controllable friction, using four discrete 2-axis magnetometers to track joint position and servos to adjust friction, allowing for precise stiffness control across different motion ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used to stiffen joints, then friction can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and cannot be modified during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic friction adjustment by replacing static manual adjustment with electronic control. The system continuously monitors joint position via sensors and automatically adjusts friction levels in real-time during movement, allowing the joint to transition from static friction settings to dynamic, motion-adaptive friction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment system with an electronic control system. Instead of physically adjusting friction components, users interact with an electronic interface that controls motorized actuators, substituting mechanical adjustment operations with electronic signal-based control for automated friction modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform friction setting is applied throughout motion range, then the joint structure is simple, but it cannot accurately simulate varying abilities of older adults at different motion points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic friction adjustment by replacing static manual adjustment with electronic control. The system continuously monitors joint position via sensors and automatically adjusts friction levels in real-time during movement, allowing the joint to transition from static friction settings to dynamic, motion-adaptive friction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor joint position and motion characteristics. This feedback information is fed to the control system, which automatically adjusts friction levels based on real-time motion data, enabling the joint to adapt friction settings according to the specific motion state and simulate age-related movement variations.
3Extent of automation
If friction is adjusted manually at each joint, then individual joint control is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and not remotely adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual adjustment system with an electronic control system. Instead of physically adjusting friction components, users interact with an electronic interface that controls motorized actuators, substituting mechanical adjustment operations with electronic signal-based control for automated friction modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service adjustment where the joint automatically monitors its own state through embedded sensors and adjusts its friction characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The automated control system can independently modify friction levels based on pre-programmed parameters or remote commands, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations.
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 precise tracking and adjustable friction in joints, such as the shoulder, which mimics the effects of aging and arthritis, allowing for realistic simulation of varying movement abilities.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the magnet 708 with respect to the sensor board 702 is determined by the outputs of the magnetometers 704
Implementation Method 2
A ball 602 extends from a ball shaft 604, a ball landing 606, and ball assembly fastening mechanism 608
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronically adjustable joint, and associated systems and methods. A joint position of a multiple-axis joint, e.g., a 3-axis joint, can be tracked, as the joint moves through two or more dimensions. In an illustrative embodiment, the joint can provide a mechanical equivalent of a physical joint, e.g., a shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, which can accommodate motion in rotational angle and/or tilt angle. In some embodiments, the joint includes electronically adjustable friction. An illustrative application provides electronically adjustable joints for an aging simulation suit, wherein one or more joints can be controllably stiffened in selective ranges, such that a wearer of the suit can experience the effects of aging, arthritis and/or other ailments. In an illustrative embodiment, a sensor can use four discrete 2-axis magnetometers to calculate the position of the magnet on the arm of the joint, to continuously sense and track the angle of the joint. In some embodiments, the system includes a mechanism, e.g., a servo, which can controllably tighten a socket around a ball joint, wherein the system can controllably adjust friction on the joint.