Gait Training Control Mode Switching for Disconnected Peripheral Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gait training apparatuses stop the peripheral devices, such as treadmills, when the control device is in a non-connected state with the walking assistance device, even if the user intentionally removes the assistance device, leading to unnecessary unavailability of the training equipment.
Innovation Solution
A gait training apparatus with a switching unit that allows the control unit to switch between cooperative control mode and operation mode, enabling the peripheral device to be controlled independently of the walking assistance device, allowing gait training to continue even when the assistance device is not connected, and providing an alarm in case of a potential failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control device unconditionally stops the peripheral device when in a non-connected state with the walking assistance device, then safety is improved, but the peripheral device becomes unavailable even when the disconnection is intentional
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically switches between two operational modes: cooperative control mode (when connected to walking assistance device) and operation mode (when disconnected). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain safety through cooperative control while enabling peripheral device availability through operation mode, resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the control device based on connection status. When connected, it operates in cooperative control mode with safety-focused parameters. When disconnected, it switches to operation mode with different parameters that allow peripheral device control. This parameter change enables the system to satisfy both safety requirements and operational availability
2Reliability
If the walking assistance device is integrally connected with the peripheral device, then safety control is improved, but the devices cannot be used separately
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into two distinct operational modes: cooperative control mode for integrated operation with the walking assistance device, and operation mode for independent peripheral device control. This segmentation allows the system to maintain safety control when connected while enabling separate usage when disconnected, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both cooperative control (when connected to walking assistance device) and independent operation control (when disconnected). This universal design enables the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, maintaining safety control capability while allowing separate device usage, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A gait training apparatus includes: a walking assistance device that is attached to a leg portion of a user and assists walking of the user; a peripheral device used for gait training of the user; a control unit that controls the walking assistance device and the peripheral device; and a switching unit that switches the control unit between a cooperative control mode for performing a cooperative control of the walking assistance device and the peripheral device based on information output from the walking assistance device, and an operation mode for controlling the peripheral device based on set operation information. When the control unit is switched to the operation mode by the switching unit, the control unit executes the control of the peripheral device even when the control unit is in a non-connected state with the walking assistance device.