Flexible-Support Wearing Module for Independent Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance devices are difficult for individuals with physical disabilities to wear independently without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A wearing module with a flexible support part, elastic layer, and guide mechanism that allows for easy attachment and adjustment to the user's body, incorporating a detachable support head and magnetic attachment for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motion assistance device is designed with rigid and stable structures to ensure reliability, then the device provides necessary muscular strength and support, but it becomes difficult for users with physical disabilities to wear independently
Solution Approach 1:
The wearing module is divided into separate components: a cover portion, a support portion, and an elastic layer. The support portion can be detached from the cover, allowing users to handle and wear the device in manageable segments rather than as a single rigid unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is designed to be movable relative to the cover along a guiding direction. The elastic layer provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the device to adapt to different body positions and movements while being worn.
2Strength
If the support structure is made rigid to provide stable muscular strength, then the device can assist motion effectively, but it reduces flexibility and comfort for the user
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the device have different rigidity characteristics. The cover portion can be relatively rigid for structural stability, while the support portion incorporates flexible materials and the elastic layer provides compliant adjustment, creating a gradient of rigidity that balances strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple materials with different mechanical properties: rigid cover material for structural integrity, flexible support material for comfort, and elastic material for adaptive adjustment. This composite construction allows simultaneous achievement of strength and flexibility.
3Reliability
If the wearing module has fixed and stable components to ensure reliable operation, then the device provides consistent support, but it becomes complex and difficult for users to adjust and wear alone
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable support portion allows the device to be assembled in simple steps: attaching the support to the cover, inserting the elastic layer, and securing the belt. This segmented approach reduces complexity compared to adjusting a fully integrated rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic layer automatically adjusts to provide the correct tension and fit when the device is worn. The belt mechanism allows the user to independently secure the device without requiring external assistance for complex adjustments.
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 independent and effortless donning of motion assistance devices by individuals with physical disabilities, enhancing user comfort and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic layer (10) that is partially fixed to the support part (12) and that is movable relative to the cover (11)
Implementation Method 2
The support part (12) may be detachable from the cover by a magnetic force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wearing module according to one embodiment may comprise: a cover comprising a cover body and a cover hole penetratingly formed in the cover body; a support part comprising a support body made from a material that is more flexible than that of the cover, a support head that is connected to the support body and that can be attached/detached to/from the cover body, and an attachment part, which is connected to the support body, is positioned on the opposite side of the support head with respect to the support body, and passes through the cover hole to be attached to the outer surface of the support body; and an elastic layer of which a portion is fixed to the support part and which can move relative to the cover.