Modular Powered Joint Arm for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic manipulator arms for mobility-impaired individuals are costly, cumbersome, and limited in weight capacity and flexibility, making them unsuitable for everyday accessibility needs, particularly for those with minimal strength and dexterity, and often require caregiver assistance for positioning and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A versatile accessibility-enhancing arm assembly with powered joint modules and tubular arm members, allowing for adjustable positioning and repositioning of personal devices, featuring a housing with a powered motor, rotatable receiving member, and a control board for easy operation with minimal strength and dexterity, enabling independent access to devices like computers and communication tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic manipulator arms are used for accessibility, then task performance capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into multiple modular joint modules, each with its own motor and control board. These modules can be independently assembled and configured, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining task performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different arm configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same basic module to serve various purposes, reducing the need for specialized complex components.
2Ease of operation
If robotic manipulator arms are used for accessibility, then task performance capability is improved, but weight capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple joint modules are combined in series to create arm assemblies that can collectively support heavier loads. The distributed motor arrangement across multiple modules provides cumulative force capacity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If robotic manipulator arms are used for accessibility, then automated task execution is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex controls
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control boards for each joint module, with one control board per powered joint. This modular control architecture simplifies the overall control complexity by breaking down automated task execution into manageable, independent control units that can be operated individually.
4Extent of automation
If robotic manipulator arms are used for accessibility, then automated task execution is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses relatively simple, cost-effective motorized joint modules rather than expensive industrial-grade robotic arms. While individual modules have limited capabilities, their simplicity and lower cost make the overall system more affordable while still providing sufficient automated task execution for accessibility applications.
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
Enhances user independence by providing flexible and adjustable access to personal devices, reducing reliance on caregivers and improving mobility and accessibility, while being cost-effective and suitable for various devices and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a powered motor disposed within the housing, a rotatable receiving member operatively connected to the powered motor
Data Source
AI summary
An accessibility-enhancing joint module may include a housing, a powered motor disposed within the housing, a rotatable receiving member operatively connected to the powered motor, a coupling element configured to attach to the receiving member, and a control board disposed within the housing and operatively connected to the powered motor, wherein the coupling element is disposed external to the housing. An accessibility-enhancing arm assembly may include a first joint module and a second joint module and a tubular arm member attached to the proximal mounting portion of the first joint module and the proximal mounting portion of the second joint module, each joint module including a housing having a body portion and a proximal mounting portion, a powered motor disposed within the housing, and a rotatable receiving member operatively connected to the powered motor. The joint module(s) and/or the arm assembly may be operable by a variety of accessible controls.