Reconfigurable Motion Assist Frame With Detachable Belt Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motion assistance apparatuses are not reconfigurable and do not adequately address the needs of elderly users and patients with joint problems, lacking flexibility and customization for different environments and user preferences.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable motion assistance apparatus with detachable components such as waist and thigh belts, an actuator, and a main frame that can be customized with interchangeable covers and sensors, allowing for adjustment based on user needs and environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional motion assistance apparatuses are used, then basic motion support function is provided, but flexibility and customization for different environments and user preferences is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and customizationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion assistance apparatus is divided into multiple detachable modules including waist belt, thigh belt, actuator, main frame, and various covers. Each module can be independently removed and replaced, enabling users to customize the apparatus for different environments and preferences without increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates universal interfaces and standardized connector designs that allow different components to be interchangeably combined. The detachable cover system enables a single base apparatus to serve multiple functions by simply changing covers, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If detachable components and interchangeable covers are added for customization, then usability and wearability are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability and wearabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where components can be adjusted during use. Detachable belts and interchangeable covers allow users to modify the apparatus in real-time based on comfort and environmental conditions, improving ease of operation despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detachable components are designed to nest within or attach to the main frame structure. Covers are designed to fit over the main frame, and belts connect to standardized interfaces, creating a compact organized system that manages component complexity through hierarchical nesting rather than scattered attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4331552B1Reconfigurable exercise assistance apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4331552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4331552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reconfigurable motion assistance apparatus is provided, including a waist belt worn around a waist part of a user, a thigh belt worn around a thigh part of the user, an actuator connected to the waist belt and configured to generate power, a main frame including an upper frame connected to the actuator and a lower frame connected to the upper frame and configured to transmit the power to the thigh belt, an upper cover provided to be detachable from the upper frame, and a lower cover provided to be detachable from the lower frame.