Exoskeleton Motion Control Module Interchangeable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletal devices for physical therapy lack an efficient and cost-effective interchangeable mounting system for controlling joint motion, which limits their versatility and accessibility for patients and physical therapy centers.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable mounting system for exoskeletal devices featuring a motion control module with a housing that provides resistance or assistance through mechanical dampers or electrical actuators, and a spring-loaded locking mechanism for easy attachment and detachment to various mounting pads, allowing for adjustable resistance or assistance based on the patient's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single motion control module is designed to be interchangeable across multiple mounting pads, then versatility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: mounting pads fixed to the exoskeleton, interchangeable motion control modules, and standardized interface features (locking slots, docking ledges, shaft connections). This segmentation allows the motion control module to be independently removed and reattached to different mounting pads, enabling versatility without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion control module is designed with universal interface features that allow it to function with multiple mounting pads across different joints. The standardized shaft connections, locking slots, and docking ledges enable a single module to be interchangeably mounted on various mounting pads, providing multi-functionality and reducing the need for multiple specialized modules.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the motion control module on mounting pads, then reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking latch automatically engages with the locking slot when the motion control module is inserted onto the mounting pad, securing the connection without requiring manual intervention. The system self-secures through the spring force that pushes the latch into the locking slot, providing reliable connection while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking latch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motion control module and mounting pad. It provides the locking function through a simple mechanical interaction that requires minimal user effort to activate, mediating between the need for secure connection and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If mechanical dampers are used to provide resistance, then the simplicity of the system is improved, but the controllability and precision of resistance adjustment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides resistance adjustment by changing physical parameters of the mechanical damper, such as orifice size, piston area, or fluid viscosity. These parameter changes allow variation in resistance levels while maintaining the simplicity of mechanical damping, enabling adaptability without requiring complex electronic control systems.
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 system enhances the versatility and affordability of exoskeletal devices by allowing a single motion control module to be easily remounted across different joints, reducing costs and complexity, making it more accessible for both home use and physical therapy settings while providing customizable resistance or assistance for patient rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
the locking latch is spring loaded and has a finger joystick extending away from the mounting pad
Implementation Method 2
the resistance is provided through mechanical dampers inside the motion control module's housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include an exoskeletal device with shaft connections and mounting pads corresponding to axes of rotation of the joints of the patient. A device may include a motion control module with a housing surrounding a shaft-based internal system that provides at least one of resistance or assistance to the exoskeletal device's motion through a drive shaft and is connectable to the shaft connections and the mounting pads of the exoskeletal device, wherein the motion control module has a locked position on each of the mounting pads when the drive shaft is in communication with the corresponding shaft connections and the housing is fixed relative to each of the mounting pads.