Walking Assist Leg Link Ventilation Layout for Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking assist devices face issues with heat buildup from electric components mounted on leg links, causing discomfort to users due to increased temperature near the leg area.
Innovation Solution
A joint drive type link mechanism with an interior space for electric components, where the driving source is positioned above the electric components, and an air inlet below, creating a chimney effect for air cooling, along with optional fans and heat sinks to enhance cooling efficiency, preventing heat from reaching the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric component is mounted to the leg link, then the burden on the user is reduced, but the temperature of the leg link increases causing discomfort to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The leg link is divided into functional zones: an upper section containing the driving source, a middle section with an interior space housing the electric component, and a lower section with air inlet/outlet openings. This segmentation allows thermal management while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A forced air circulation system is implemented using a fan to blow air through the interior space containing the electric component. Air enters through lower openings, passes over the electric component to absorb heat, and exits through upper openings, creating a continuous cooling flow that prevents heat accumulation.
2Device complexity
If the electric component is mounted to the link, then device integration is improved, but heat affection reaches the leg of the user
Solution Approach 1:
Air acts as an intermediary cooling medium between the electric component and the external environment. The air flow path is designed to pass through the interior space, absorbing heat from the electric component through convection, and dissipating it to the atmosphere via exhaust openings, thereby preventing direct heat transfer to the user's leg.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to be self-sufficient, utilizing the fan-driven air circulation that automatically draws in ambient air through lower openings, cools the electric component as air passes through the interior space, and exhausts heated air through upper openings without requiring external cooling infrastructure.
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
Effectively cools the electric components and driving sources, reducing heat-related discomfort for users and maintaining a comfortable walking experience by preventing heat from reaching the leg area.
Implementation Method 1
the driving source is arranged at a position of the link located upward in a gravity direction than the location of the electric component... an air inlet connecting with the interior space of the link at a position downward in the gravity direction than the location of the electric component
Implementation Method 2
a fan may be included to enhance cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.