Force Corrector Suppresses Unintended Operation in Rehabilitation Training Rods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper limb training devices for rehabilitation, such as those described in Patent Citation 1, often experience unintended operation of the operation rod when controlled based on force applied by the patient, leading to inefficiencies and variability in rehabilitation quality due to therapist limitations and experience.
Innovation Solution
A training device equipped with a motor, force detection unit, rotation information output sensor, and force correction unit that calculates a corrected force component value based on the operation position of the operation rod, ensuring accurate control and minimizing unintended operations by adjusting motor control commands accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the operation rod is controlled based on force applied by the patient, then the automation and efficiency of rehabilitation training is improved, but unintended operation of the operation rod occurs leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a force detection unit to detect the force applied by the patient on the operation rod, and a rotation information output sensor to detect the operation position. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to accurately determine when force is actually applied and adjust motor control commands accordingly, preventing unintended operations while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual therapist control with an automated system using force detection units and rotation sensors. The control unit processes sensor data to generate motor control commands, substituting the mechanical/Manual control system with an automated sensor-based control system that eliminates human limitations and experience variability.
2Ease of operation
If manual rehabilitation by therapists is performed, then personalized guidance is provided, but the number of repetitions is limited due to therapist exhaustion and time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service rehabilitation training where the patient performs repetitions independently with the device providing automated guidance and resistance control. The force detection unit continuously monitors patient effort and the motor automatically adjusts to maintain appropriate training parameters, allowing unlimited repetitions without therapist fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the therapist's manual guidance and resistance application with an automated motor-driven system controlled by sensor feedback. This mechanical substitution allows the system to provide consistent, personalized guidance while enabling high-volume repetitions that would be impossible for a human therapist to sustain.
3Extent of automation
If force-based control is used, then automation is improved, but unintended operations occur when no force is applied, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dual feedback from both the force detection unit and the rotation information output sensor to verify actual operation conditions. By cross-referencing force magnitude with operation position, the control unit can distinguish between intentional patient effort and unintended movements, improving measurement precision while maintaining automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A training device suppresses unintended operation of an operation rod when executing an operation mode in which operation of the operation rod is controlled based on a force applied to the operation rod. The training device includes the operation rod, a motor, a force detector, a rotation information output sensor, a first command calculator, and a force corrector. The operation rod moves a limb. The motor operates the operation rod in a direction of degree of freedom. The force detector detects a force component and outputs a force component signal. The rotation information output sensor detects an operation position of the operation rod in a corresponding direction of degree of freedom. The force corrector calculates a corrected force component value based on operation positions of the operation rod and force component signal. The first command calculator calculates a first motor control command based on the corrected force component value.