Exoskeleton Motor Braking Circuit for Controlled Collapse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exoskeletons can malfunction during use, leading to uncontrollable falls that pose a risk to users due to unresponsiveness or power withdrawal, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A controlled collapse mechanism is implemented using a low impedance circuit that creates a short circuit across motor terminals, generating a back electromagnetic force to slow down the fall, incorporating a power failure detection circuit and low-impedance switches to manage the collapse safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exoskeleton device is left without active control during power failure, then the device structure remains simple, but the device collapses uncontrollably causing harm to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of uncontrolled gravitational collapse into a beneficial controlled descent by utilizing the motor as a generator during the collapse. The motor generates back-EMF that creates electromagnetic braking force, transforming the dangerous uncontrolled fall into a safe controlled lowering process that protects the user while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a low-impedance switch as an intermediary component that automatically activates during power failure. This switch creates a low-impedance path for current flow through the motor, enabling the motor to function as a generator and produce braking force without requiring complex active control systems, thus mediating between the simple hardware structure and the safety requirement.
2Reliability
If a low impedance circuit is established across motor terminals during collapse, then the fall is slowed down safely, but additional circuit components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motor serve multiple functions: during normal operation it provides propulsion, and during power failure it automatically functions as a generator for controlled collapse. The low-impedance switch also serves dual purposes by either enabling motor braking during collapse or allowing regenerative charging of the power source, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the motor's own electromagnetic properties to provide braking force during collapse without requiring external power or complex control systems. The motor automatically generates back-EMF when the low-impedance circuit is established, creating electromagnetic braking that slows the collapse, and can even recharge the power source during the descent, making the system self-sufficient during failure conditions.
3Speed
If the motor is used to resist the fall during collapse, then the collapse speed is reduced, but energy is consumed from the power source
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of consuming energy to resist the fall, the system converts the gravitational potential energy of the collapsing exoskeleton into electrical energy. The motor acts as a generator, transforming mechanical energy from the falling mass into electrical energy that charges the power source, thus converting what would be wasted energy into a useful resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the normal motor operation mode. Instead of the motor consuming electrical energy to produce mechanical motion, it operates in reverse as a generator, converting mechanical energy from the collapsing structure into electrical energy to recharge the battery, fundamentally reversing the energy flow direction during the collapse phase.
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 mechanism ensures a controlled and safer lowering of the exoskeleton and user by resisting the fall, preventing fast collapses and supporting user weight, making the exoskeleton usable even in malfunction scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a low impedance circuit between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the motor so as to cause generation of an electro-magnetic force to resist or slow down the fall of the exoskeleton device
Implementation Method 2
generating a back electromagnetic force to slow down the fall
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment including an apparatus, method and system for collapsing/lowering an exoskeleton device include at least one motor and at least one component. In some embodiments, the device is configured to be moved by the at least one motor. When at least one of a plurality of faults including power faults such as a low power fault and a power failure fault, electrical faults, software faults and mechanical faults are detected in the powering the exoskeleton device, one or more components of the device may be decelerated via the at least one motor.