Walking Assistant Holder With Cable Tensioning for Uniform Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistant robots face challenges in uniformly distributing force to a wide area of the user's body, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A holder system with a plurality of links and a cable mechanism that adjusts tension to ensure uniform force distribution across the user's body, utilizing a manipulating unit to shorten or lengthen the cable, and a locking unit to control the gear mechanism for precise force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a conventional holder structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the force is not uniformly distributed to a wide area of the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) that are pivotally connected to form a link assembly. This segmentation allows each link to independently adjust and distribute force uniformly across different areas of the user's body, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and uniform force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The link assembly incorporates pivotal connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the holder's configuration. The cable mechanism enables dynamic tension adjustment to adapt the force distribution to different body shapes and sizes, achieving uniform force distribution while maintaining structural flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the curvature of the link assembly cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable length is made adjustable through a cable mechanism including a spool, pawl, and ratchet mechanism. This allows the curvature of the link assembly to be dynamically adjusted by changing cable tension, enabling the holder to adapt to different body contours while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mechanism incorporates a self-locking feature through the pawl and ratchet mechanism that automatically maintains the adjusted cable length without requiring continuous active control. The system adjusts and locks itself in the desired configuration, reducing the need for complex control systems.
3Productivity
If the holder applies force to a small area, then the structure is simple, but the force transmission efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The link assembly distributes force transmission across multiple links that contact different areas of the user's body. This segmentation increases the effective contact area while maintaining efficient force transmission through the mechanical advantage of the linkages, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and force transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple links are combined into an integrated link assembly that works together to transmit force efficiently across a wide area of the user's body. The coordinated action of all links amplifies the force transmission effect, achieving high productivity while maintaining structural coherence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A holder may be more easily mounted on a user's body by applying tension to a cable. An inner side surface of the holder with which the user's body comes in contact transmits uniform pressure to the user's body such that the holder may be more comfortable to the user.