Wearable Hand Rehabilitation Device Motor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable power assistive devices for hand rehabilitation suffer from irregular motor alignment leading to mechanical stress, insecure component fixation, and lack of ergonomic design, resulting in reduced durability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A wearable power assistive device featuring a palm brace with adjustable finger assemblies, motors aligned parallel to the external platform to minimize stress, and ergonomic design elements such as adjustable thumb and side fixation brackets, along with a forearm support and electromyography signal detection for personalized fit and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motors are aligned irregularly in existing devices, then assembly is simpler, but mechanical stress accumulates and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a reference platform with predetermined motor mounting positions before assembling the actual motors. This reference platform is configured with multiple mounting holes at specific locations, allowing motors to be positioned and fixed in advance according to a pre-planned layout, thereby ensuring regular alignment without complex real-time adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference platform as an intermediary component between the device body and the motors. This reference platform serves as a mediator that carries predetermined motor mounting positions and enables precise motor alignment. The platform acts as an intermediate structure that simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring accurate motor placement, thereby reducing mechanical stress accumulation
2Reliability
If components are securely fixed, then durability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fixation system into modular components: a reference platform with integrated mounting holes, separate motor assemblies with alignment features, and individual fastening elements. Each component has dedicated fixation interfaces, allowing secure assembly through standardized connection points rather than complex integrated structures
Solution Approach 2:
The reference platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural base for the device, establishes precise motor mounting positions, and facilitates secure component fixation through its integrated mounting holes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fixation structures, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure component attachment
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed without ergonomic consideration, then manufacturing is simpler, but comfort and usability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating adjustable components that allow the device to adapt to different user hand sizes and configurations. The finger assemblies can be positioned at different locations along the forearm, and the thumb assembly can be adjusted laterally, enabling the device to conform to various ergonomic requirements without requiring multiple custom-designed versions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing adjustment of key geometric parameters such as the position of finger assemblies along the longitudinal axis and the lateral position of the thumb assembly. These adjustable parameters enable the device to accommodate different user anatomical dimensions while maintaining a standardized base design, thereby improving comfort without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
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
The device provides enhanced durability, comfort, and ergonomic fit, reducing mechanical stress and improving user experience through adjustable components and electromyography-driven operation, ensuring effective hand rehabilitation training.
Implementation Method 1
electromyography signal detection for personalized fit and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.