Wearable Motion Assist Reducer Layout for Stable Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rapidly aging societies face challenges with joint problems, leading to increased inconvenience and pain, necessitating effective motion assistance technologies that enable easier walking with reduced effort.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus comprising a proximal support, a distal support, a hollow actuator with a stator and rotor, and a reducer mechanism that includes planetary gears and bearings to reduce shaking, allowing for efficient rotation and torque transmission, thereby assisting user motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional actuator structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the shaking of central axes during rotation cannot be effectively restrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the reducer mechanism inside the hollow actuator body, creating a nested structure where the planetary gears and carriers are positioned within the actuator's internal cavity. This nesting approach allows the shaking restraint function to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shaking restraint function into multiple independent bearing components positioned at different locations (first bearing at top, second bearing at bottom, third bearing at side). Each bearing segment handles specific portions of the shaking forces, allowing the system to effectively restrain multi-directional shaking while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then the apparatus can be worn under clothing, but the space for actuator and reducer mechanisms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reducer is positioned inside the hollow actuator body, utilizing the internal cavity space. The planetary gears, sun gear, and ring gear are arranged within the actuator's hollow interior, allowing the entire drive mechanism to fit within a compact cylindrical envelope that can be integrated into wearable clothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hollow cylindrical space of the actuator by arranging components in three-dimensional space: the sun gear at the center, planetary gears rotating around it, and the ring gear forming the outer boundary. This spatial arrangement efficiently packs the mechanism within the limited volume while maintaining functional independence of each component.
3Force
If high torque transmission is required, then the reducer mechanism is necessary, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a planetary gear system where multiple planetary gears simultaneously engage with the sun gear and ring gear, creating a dynamic load distribution mechanism. This allows high torque transmission through parallel force paths while maintaining a relatively simple single-stage reducer structure without requiring multiple sequential gear sets.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the effort required for walking by providing stable and efficient motion assistance, allowing users to perform flexion and extension motions with reduced strain on joints, while being compact enough to be worn under clothing.
Implementation Method 1
the reducer includes, a plurality of planetary gears between the sun gear and the ring gear, the plurality of planetary gears configured to engage with the sun gear and the ring gear
Implementation Method 2
the motion assistance apparatus may further include a plurality of bearings configured to resist shaking of central axes of the sun gear, the ring gear, and the plurality of planetary gears
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus including a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of a user, a distal support configured to support a distal part of the user, a hollow actuator on the proximal support, a reducer inserted in the hollow actuator such that an input end of the reducer is connected to an output end of the hollow actuator, and a driving frame configured to connect an output end of the reducer to the distal support is disclosed.