Exoskeleton Control for Automated Assessment and Joint Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobility assistance devices, such as exoskeletons, lack comprehensive and user-friendly control systems that can perform automated assessments and adjustments to enhance user performance and physical capability, relying primarily on compensating for impairments rather than optimizing user recovery and physical improvement.
Innovation Solution
The development of control systems that leverage device sensors, actuators, and interfaces to perform automated assessments and adjustments, allowing the mobility assistance device to assess user impairment and adjust its operation to improve recovery and physical capability, reducing the need for specialized equipment and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional assessment methods (MMT, 10MWT) are used, then muscle strength and mobility can be evaluated, but specialized equipment, expert personnel, and additional external equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assessment functions (muscle strength testing, mobility evaluation, range of motion measurement) into a single exoskeleton device. The control system integrates sensors, actuators, and processing units to perform comprehensive assessments without requiring separate specialized equipment or expert personnel, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mobility assistance device and as an assessment tool. The same actuators and sensors used for providing mobility support are also utilized for performing muscle strength tests, mobility evaluations, and range of motion measurements, eliminating the need for dedicated assessment equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exoskeleton device provides comprehensive automated assessment and adjustment functions, then user performance and recovery can be optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to automatically perform assessments and adjust device parameters without requiring external intervention. The system self-calibrates sensors, autonomously executes assessment protocols, and automatically modifies actuator settings based on real-time sensor data, thereby reducing the apparent complexity for users while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor user performance metrics, the processor analyzes this data, and actuators automatically adjust device parameters in response. This closed-loop control enables comprehensive assessment and adaptation while managing system complexity through standardized feedback mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If manual assessment procedures are performed, then detailed muscle strength grading can be obtained, but time-consuming and requiring test administrator involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and setup automatically before the actual assessment begins. Sensors are pre-positioned, baseline measurements are taken, and assessment protocols are pre-programmed, allowing the actual muscle strength grading to be executed rapidly without requiring manual setup time or administrator involvement during the critical measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment procedures with an automated electromechanical system. Instead of a test administrator physically manipulating limbs and applying resistance, electric actuators provide controlled movement and resistance while sensors measure muscle response, significantly reducing assessment time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a mobility device and related device including at least one actuator component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control method may include executing a control application with an electronic controller to perform: receiving a command in the control system of the mobility device for initiating an automated assessment and adjustment protocol; controlling one or more mobility device components to perform the automated assessment; electronically gathering user performance data associated with the automated assessment and determining user performance metrics; and electronically controlling one or more of the mobility device components in accordance with the performance metrics. The automated assessment includes controlling mobility device components to perform a predetermined assessment activity related to performance of the mobility device and/or user. Automatic adjustments to the device components, including adjusting tension and resistance levels of the joint components, may then be made based the performance metrics.