Motion Assistance Apparatus Abduction Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses do not effectively assist in leg abduction, particularly independent of flexion, and fail to compensate for the eccentricity of the rotation center, limiting their ability to provide natural and effective support for users with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus comprising a fixing module, a support module, a first driving module with an abduction motor, and a second driving module with a flexion motor, where the first driving module abducts the support module relative to the fixing module, and the second driving module flexes it, with the abduction axis positioned at or below the flexion axis, allowing independent abduction and compensation for rotation center eccentricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotation center of the motion assistance apparatus is positioned at the same location as the rotation center of the leg, then the structure is simple, but it cannot compensate for the eccentricity of the rotation center and provides unnatural movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support module as an intermediary component between the fixing module and the user's leg. This support module can rotate relative to the fixing module, allowing the rotation center of the apparatus to be positioned differently from the leg's rotation center. The support module acts as a mediator that compensates for the eccentricity between the apparatus rotation center and the leg rotation center, enabling more natural movement while managing the structural complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the abduction motor and flexion motor are integrated into a single driving module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the abduction and flexion motions cannot be controlled independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driving system into separate functional modules: a first driving module for abduction controlled by an abduction motor, and a second driving module for flexion controlled by a flexion motor. This segmentation allows independent control of abduction and flexion motions, enabling the system to adapt to different movement requirements. The segmentation increases device complexity but achieves superior adaptability and independent motion control.
3Productivity
If the abduction axis is positioned above the flexion axis, then the mechanical structure is simplified, but the abduction assistance is less effective for natural leg movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the abduction axis at the same height as or below the flexion axis, creating a specific local geometric relationship between the two axes. This positioning optimizes the abduction assistance effectiveness by aligning the abduction force with the natural movement trajectory of the leg. The support module's rotation capability allows this optimized axis positioning while maintaining overall structural coherence through the modular architecture.
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 effective assistance in leg abduction independent of flexion, providing natural movement and preventing sideways falls by applying driving force through the abduction motor, while compensating for the eccentricity of the rotation center, thus enhancing mobility support for users.
Implementation Method 1
the first driving module includes an abduction motor, and a first axis serving as an abduction axis of the first driving module is positioned at the same height as or lower than a second axis serving as a flexion axis of the second driving module
Implementation Method 2
the second driving module flexes the support module relative to the fixing module
Implementation Method 3
an upper bevel gear coupled to the abstraction shaft; and a lower bevel gear which engages with the upper bevel gear and is connected to the abstraction motor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a motion assistance apparatus that includes a fixing module which is fixed to a part of the body of a user, a support module which supports another part of the body of the user and is rotatable relative to the fixing module, a first driving module which is positioned between the fixing module and the support module and abducts the support module relative to the fixing module, and a second driving module which flexes the support module relative to the fixing module. The first driving module includes an abduction motor, and a first axis serving as an abduction axis of the first driving module is positioned at the same height as or lower than a second axis serving as a flexion axis of the second driving module.