Integrated Tilt Sensing for Exoskeleton Walking Assistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized locomotion assistance exoskeleton devices lack an efficient mechanism to utilize user tilt for initiating and controlling leg movements, leading to suboptimal operation and user assistance.
Innovation Solution
A locomotion assisting exoskeleton device with integrated tilt sensors and a controller that operates motorized joints based on tilt thresholds and angles to facilitate forward and backward leg movements, enhancing user-initiated walking assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sensor-based control is used without tilt sensing, then device operation can be maintained, but walking assistance efficiency and user control are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own body tilt as the control signal, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms. The tilt sensor detects natural user posture changes, and the controller automatically translates these into appropriate motorized joint movements, allowing the system to serve itself through user biology rather than requiring complex external interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control linkages and manual switching mechanisms with an electronic tilt sensing system. The tilt sensor and controller combination substitutes for what would otherwise require complex mechanical levers, switches, or cable-pulley systems for user input, simplifying the overall device architecture while improving responsiveness
2Ease of operation
If tilt sensor is integrated to detect user tilt for controlling leg movements, then user-initiated walking assistance is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor acts as an intermediary between the user's natural body movements and the motorized exoskeleton system. Rather than requiring direct mechanical coupling or complex electronic interfaces, the tilt sensor mediates by converting subtle posture changes into meaningful control signals that the controller can process to activate appropriate motor responses
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensor serves multiple functions: it detects forward tilt for initiating step cycles, monitors lateral tilt for balance control, and provides continuous feedback for adjusting motorized joint assistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for different control purposes, thereby limiting the increase in device 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 effectively utilizes user tilt to initiate and control leg movements, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of walking assistance for individuals with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tilt sensor mounted on the exoskeleton device for sensing a tilt of the exoskeleton
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotion assisting exoskeleton device includes a plurality of braces, including a trunk support for affixing to the part of the torso of a person and leg segment braces each leg segment brace for connecting to a section of a leg of the person. The device further includes at least one motorized joint for connecting two of the braces and for providing relative angular movement between the two braces. The device includes at least one tilt sensor mounted on the exoskeleton device for sensing a tilt of the exoskeleton, and a controller for receiving sensed signals from the tilt sensor and programmed with an algorithm with instructions for actuating the motorized joints in accordance with the sensed signals.