Lower-Back Flexion Assist Device with Conditional Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human body flexion assist devices lack the ability to actively determine when to provide assistance, often providing unnecessary support.
Innovation Solution
A human body flexion and extension assist device equipped with an inclination sensor, load sensor, and control unit to selectively control the expansion and contraction of a gas spring, using a gearbox with a ratchet gear and pawl to constrain or allow rotation of lower limb frames based on detected body motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device provides continuous assisting force, then the support function is improved, but unnecessary support is provided causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static continuous support to dynamic conditional support by using sensors to detect body state changes (sitting, standing, walking) and automatically adjusting the level of assistance provided by the gas spring mechanism, ensuring support is given only when physiologically needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates inclination sensors and load sensors that continuously monitor body position and applied forces, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts the assistance level accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user needs in real-time
2Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to actively determine when to assist is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves automation through self-sensing and self decision-making capabilities, where the embedded sensors and control unit automatically detect body states and determine when assistance is needed without requiring external control or complex mechanical decision-making mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical decision-making structures with electronic sensing and control systems, using inclination sensors, load sensors, and microcontroller-based logic to determine when assistance should be provided, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence
3Stability of the object's composition
If the gearbox constrains rotation continuously, then the stability is improved, but the device becomes less adaptable to different motions
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox transitions from a static always-locked state to a dynamic conditionally-locked state, where the ratchet mechanism engages or disengages based on real-time sensor feedback about body motion and position, providing stability only when required for safety or support
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
Enables active determination of when to assist lower back motions, minimizing discomfort by providing support only when needed and enhancing stability and convenience during daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring of which at least a part is curved so that the leaf spring is closely attached to a back of the human body
Implementation Method 2
a gas spring having both ends connected to a rear of the leaf spring and a rear of the central frame
Implementation Method 3
The gearbox may be configured to include a ratchet gear and pawl
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a human body flexion and extension assist device that is in close contact with a back, a pelvis, and a thigh of the human body to exert an assisting force to a flexion and extension motion of an upper body. According to a human body flexion and extension assist device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to store energy by a lower back flexing motion, and conversely, assist the human body by transmitting energy to a lower back extending motion. In addition, it is possible to determine a current motion of a human body, determine when an assisting force is delivered to a lower body, and minimizing discomfort by moving a lower body freely when assisting force is unnecessary.