Gait Training Robot Automatic Segment Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking-assist robots for gait training face challenges in determining appropriate walking patterns for patients due to difficulties in real-time monitoring of joint angles, speeds, and torques, and require manual adjustments that are time-consuming and prone to errors due to individual body size variations.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a walking-assist robot, treadmill, load hoist, and controller that includes sensors and a control unit to monitor and adjust joint angles, speeds, and segment lengths automatically based on patient body size, enabling real-time feedback and data analysis for effective gait training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of segment lengths is performed, then the walking-assist robot can be adapted to different body sizes, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system pre-stores segment length information corresponding to various body sizes in its memory. Before actual gait training, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate segment lengths based on the patient's body size input, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during each training session.
Solution Approach 2:
The walking-assist robot performs self-adjustment of segment lengths by automatically comparing the input body size with stored data and adjusting its mechanical segments accordingly. This self-service capability removes the dependency on assistant operators and eliminates manual adjustment errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of segment lengths is performed, then the robot can accommodate different body sizes, but adjustment errors occur due to individual differences of assistants
Solution Approach 1:
The walking-assist robot performs self-adjustment of segment lengths by automatically comparing the input body size with stored data and adjusting its mechanical segments accordingly. This self-service capability removes the dependency on assistant operators and eliminates manual adjustment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and pre-stored data to calculate and adjust segment lengths. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic control eliminates human error in measurement and adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of joint angles, speeds, and torques is implemented, then appropriate walking patterns can be determined, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors joint angles, speeds, and torques; compares actual gait with standardized patterns; determines appropriateness of walking patterns; and controls the walking-assist robot. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors gait parameters in real-time and provides feedback by comparing actual performance with standardized walking patterns. This feedback mechanism enables automatic determination of appropriate walking patterns and allows for dynamic adjustment during training, achieving precise monitoring through a structured feedback loop rather than complex independent systems.
4Productivity
If automatic segment length adjustment is implemented, then manual errors are eliminated and time efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system pre-stores segment length information corresponding to various body sizes in its memory. Before actual gait training, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate segment lengths based on the patient's body size input, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during each training session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and pre-stored data to calculate and adjust segment lengths. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic control achieves time efficiency while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot for gait training includes a walking-assist robot (100) to be put on legs of a walking trainee; a treadmill (200; a load-hoist (300) for supporting the body of the walking trainee; and a controller (400). The controller (400) includes an input unit (410) for receiving or inputting information or commands, and a speed, angle and rotational force of each joint required for training of the walking trainee, an information storage device for selectively storing the information and commands received through the input unit (410), a control unit for controlling the walking-assist robot (100), the treadmill (200) and the load hoist (300) according to the information or commands input through the input unit (410) or transmitted from the information storage device, and a monitor (420) for displaying the information transmitted from the walking-assist robot (100), the treadmill (200), the load hoist (300) and the information storage device.