Motion Assistance Frame Assembly with Segmented Longitudinal Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion assistance apparatuses for the elderly and individuals with joint problems lack optimal structural design to distribute forces effectively, leading to inefficiencies in muscular strength enhancement and stability during walking.

Innovation Solution

A frame assembly comprising three longitudinal members and distance maintaining members that allow for relative movement and stiffness variation, preventing buckling and enhancing force transmission, with a design that increases stiffness at ends and flexibility at intermediate portions, and includes a control clamp and driver system for waist support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the frame assembly uses a rigid structure to enhance stability, then stability is improved, but flexibility and comfort during walking deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcomfort during walking

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is divided into multiple longitudinal members (first, second, and third longitudinal members) connected by distance maintaining members. This segmentation allows different portions of the frame to independently respond to forces, providing both stability through the overall structure and flexibility through the articulated connections between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distance maintaining members are configured to allow relative movement between longitudinal members while maintaining predetermined distances. This dynamic capability enables the frame to adapt to walking motions, providing stability when needed and flexibility during movement, thus resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and comfortable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the frame assembly uses uniform stiffness throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but force distribution and buckling prevention deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidforce distribution and buckling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly employs distance maintaining members with varying properties - some are configured to be more flexible at end portions while maintaining stiffness at intermediate portions. This local differentiation of mechanical properties optimizes force distribution throughout the structure, preventing buckling at critical locations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the distance between longitudinal members is fixed, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different walking conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to walking conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distance maintaining members incorporate movable connections that allow longitudinal members to adjust their relative positions while maintaining predetermined distances. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the frame to adapt to various walking conditions and user requirements without complicating the overall structural design, as the adjustment occurs through the inherent mobility of the connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 frame assembly effectively enhances force transmission and stability, reducing deformation and improving muscular strength enhancement, allowing for efficient and comfortable walking assistance.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of first distance maintaining members are configured to rotate relative to one or more of the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

an intermediate portion of the first longitudinal member is configured to move relative to an intermediate portion of the second longitudinal member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative movement:

Data Source

PatentEP3581166B1Frame assembly and motion assistance apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A frame assembly including a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member spaced apart from the first longitudinal member, a third longitudinal member configured to diagonally connect the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, a plurality of first distance maintaining members configured to connect the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, and a plurality of second distance maintaining members configured to connect the second longitudinal member and the third longitudinal member is disclosed.