Gait State Determination via Heel-to-Toe Pressure Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking training apparatuses fail to accurately determine the start of leg swinging, leading to excessive load on the leg due to inertial forces, which is not reduced despite minimizing gravitational load.
Innovation Solution
A gait state determination apparatus with pressure detection means, pressure center calculation, and motion determination to identify the start of forward swinging by shifting pressure center from heel to toe region, allowing for increased pulling force to reduce inertial load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the pulling force is increased to reduce inertial load at the start of leg swinging, then the load on the leg is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for accurate gait detection and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own gait information (pressure distribution, acceleration) to automatically detect the start of leg swinging and control the pulling force, eliminating the need for complex external control systems. The walking assistance apparatus serves itself by using its own sensors and processing capabilities to regulate the assisting force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with sensor-based detection (pressure sensors, acceleration sensors) and electronic control. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages to detect gait phase, the system uses electronic sensors to detect pressure distribution and acceleration, then controls the pulling force electronically.
2Measurement precision
If pressure detection means and control systems are added to determine gait state, then the start of leg swinging can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure detection means serves multiple functions: it detects the start of leg swinging, monitors gait phase, and provides feedback for control. The same pressure sensors used for detecting heel-toe pressure center shift also provide information about overall gait status, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines pressure detection, acceleration detection, and control functions into a single integrated system. The pressure detection means, acceleration sensors, and control unit work together as one cohesive system rather than separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Accurately determines the start of leg swinging, enabling a reduction in inertial force at the moment of swinging, thereby alleviating the excessive load on the leg.
Implementation Method 1
pressure detection means, disposed in the foot attachment structure, for detecting a pressure exerted on a sole of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A gait state determination apparatus includes: a foot attachment structure disposed in the walking assistance apparatus, the foot attachment structure to be attached to a foot of a user; a pressure detection device, disposed in the foot attachment structure, detecting a pressure exerted on a sole of the user; a pressure center calculation device successively calculating a center position of a pressure exerted on the sole during a gait motion of the user based on the pressure exerted on the sole detected by the pressure detection device; and motion determination device determining that it is a timing of a start of forward swinging of the leg to which the walking assistance apparatus is attached when the center position of the pressure calculated by the pressure center calculation devices is shifted from a position in a heel region of the sole to a toe region thereof, is disclosed.