Gait Torque Pattern Adjustment for Intuitive Mobility Aid Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobility aid apparatuses lack the ability to intuitively adjust torque patterns for optimal user assistance, relying on user or expert decision-making for determining the best mobility aid pattern.

Innovation Solution

A torque pattern adjustment apparatus that includes a display to show a first torque pattern corresponding to a gait cycle, a generator to adjust the pattern based on user input, and a transmitter to apply the adjusted pattern to external devices like walking or rehabilitation aids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed torque pattern is used in mobility aid apparatuses, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to provide optimal user assistance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque pattern adaptabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic torque patterns that can be adjusted in real-time based on user needs and walking conditions. The system allows modification of torque magnitude, direction, and timing parameters, transforming a static assistance device into a dynamically adaptable one that optimizes support throughout the gait cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables changes in torque pattern parameters including intensity, duration, phase timing, and direction. These parameter adjustments allow the mobility aid to adapt to different user requirements and walking conditions without requiring a completely different device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If expert determination is used to set torque patterns, then optimal assistance may be achieved, but the ease of operation for users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidtorque pattern optimization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to directly adjust torque pattern parameters through an intuitive interface. Users can modify assistance levels, timing, and other parameters themselves without requiring expert intervention, making the device accessible and adaptable to individual needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to evaluate the effectiveness of torque patterns and make real-time adjustments. This feedback loop enables users to optimize the assistance they receive based on their actual experience and comfort levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple torque patterns are stored for different walking conditions, then the adaptability to various scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewalking condition coverageVSAvoidstorage and management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple torque patterns corresponding to different walking conditions such as level walking, uphill, downhill, and varying speeds. A single mobility aid apparatus can universally handle multiple scenarios by selecting and adjusting appropriate pre-stored patterns, eliminating the need for condition-specific devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12544295B2Torque pattern adjustment apparatus and method for adjusting torque pattern using the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An torque pattern adjustment apparatus including a display configured to display a first torque pattern corresponding to a gait cycle, and a generator configured to generate a second torque pattern by adjusting at least a portion of the first torque pattern in response to a reception of an input, and a torque pattern adjustment method using the same may be provided. The first torque pattern may be applied to a joint of a user.