Motion Assistance Frame Assembly Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for elderly individuals and those with joint problems, as well as for military purposes, face challenges in efficiently transferring torque and maintaining structural integrity under varying forces.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly comprising a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member spaced apart, and a plurality of distance maintaining members connecting them, which maintain a distance between the longitudinal members and allow for relative movement, thereby enabling efficient torque transfer and structural flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used between longitudinal members, then structural integrity is improved, but torque transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between longitudinal members is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing relative movement while maintaining structural integrity. This enables the frame to adapt to varying forces during motion, improving torque transfer efficiency without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the connection are designed to change in response to applied forces. The connection allows for controlled deformation and movement, changing its mechanical properties dynamically to optimize both structural integrity and torque transfer under different loading conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible materials are used for longitudinal members, then motion flexibility is improved, but torque transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the longitudinal members have different mechanical properties. The intermediate portions are designed to be flexible to accommodate motion, while the end portions maintain higher stiffness for effective torque transfer. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal members are effectively segmented into different functional zones: flexible intermediate portions for motion adaptation and stiffer end portions for torque transfer. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its performance for its specific function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If distance maintaining members are rigidly fixed, then distance maintenance is improved, but structural flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distance maintaining members incorporate dynamic connection mechanisms that allow controlled relative movement between longitudinal members. This maintains the essential distance relationship while permitting the necessary flexibility for motion assistance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between the distance maintaining members and longitudinal members, allowing for controlled movement while maintaining distance. These intermediaries enable both distance maintenance and structural flexibility simultaneously.
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 transfers torque between connected objects while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the risk of buckling and ensuring efficient motion assistance for users.
Implementation Method 1
the frame assembly effectively transfers torque between connected objects while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus comprising: a first object configured to attach to a first portion of a user; a second object configured to attach to a second portion of the user; a frame assembly including, a first longitudinal member configured to connect the first object and the second object, a second longitudinal member spaced apart from the first longitudinal member; and a plurality of distance maintaining members connecting the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, the plurality of distance maintaining members configured to maintain a distance between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.