Flexible Anchor Textile for Wearable Migration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable systems and devices face challenges in securely and comfortably anchoring to the body due to natural motion and cyclical relaxation of musculature, leading to migration and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Flexible anchor members with a combination of substantially inextensible textile elements and force transfer couplers that apply pre-compression and dynamic compression forces to resist migration, using mechanisms like fasteners and stiffening elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible materials are used to not inhibit natural motion of the body, then comfort and natural motion are improved, but secure anchoring deteriorates due to migration caused by body motion and muscle relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member incorporates a dynamic compression mechanism that automatically adjusts compression force in response to applied loads. When force is applied to the wearable system, the anchor member increases compression on the body part, preventing migration during active use. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain secure anchoring during motion while remaining comfortable at rest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter dynamically based on operational state. At rest, the anchor member maintains a baseline compression level for comfort. During actuation or physical activity, the compression force increases to prevent migration. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between comfort and secure anchoring by adapting to different operational conditions.
2Reliability
If high levels of compressive forces are applied to securely anchor flexible materials, then secure anchoring is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to constant uncomfortable pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member transitions from a static high-compression design to a dynamic system that applies compression only when needed. The mechanism remains relaxed during non-use periods, providing comfort, and engages to provide high compression when actuated, ensuring secure anchoring. This eliminates the need for constant uncomfortable pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force is applied periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The anchor member engages to provide securing force during actuation cycles or physical activity, then relaxes during rest periods. This periodic application maintains secure anchoring when needed while preserving comfort during non-operational times.
3Power
If actuator forces are applied to the wearable system, then functional performance is improved, but migration and material deformation worsen due to applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member provides a counteracting compression force that opposes the migratory effects of actuator forces. By pre-positioning the anchor member to engage with the body part and apply compressive force, the system creates a stabilizing effect that prevents migration during actuation. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the disruptive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member's compression force dynamically responds to actuator forces. When the actuator applies force to the wearable system, the anchor member increases its compression on the body part, creating a stabilizing reaction that prevents migration. This dynamic coupling ensures that functional performance and position stability are maintained simultaneously.
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 flexible anchor members provide secure and comfortable anchoring by resisting migration and maintaining user comfort, suitable for actuated wearable systems and non-actuated devices like exosuits, braces, and rehabilitation tools.
Implementation Method 1
constriction of the at least one substantially inextensible textile element about the member may generate a compression force that acts on the member to resist migration of the member
Implementation Method 2
a force transfer coupler configured to couple a portion of the at least one substantially inextensible textile element to an actuator such that a force applied by the actuator causes the at least one substantially inextensible textile element to constrict about the member
Implementation Method 3
adjusting an amount of friction generated between the at least one substantially inextensible textile element and the member as the at least one substantially inextensible textile element constricts about the member
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible anchor member comprising a member for placement about a body part; at least one substantially inextensible textile element circumscribing the member and secured to itself or the member; and a force transfer coupler coupling a portion of the at least one substantially inextensible textile element to an actuator such that the substantially inextensible textile element constricts about the member for a duration of an applied force. Another flexible anchor member comprising an outer member including a substantially inextensible textile material configured for directing a force applied by an actuator to act upon all or a portion of the body part; an inner member for positioning between the body part and the outer member, a first surface of the inner member configured for frictionally engaging the body part or intervening clothing; and at least one coupler for coupling the outer member and the inner member.