Motion Assistance Apparatus Gait Phase Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses fail to effectively support users with joint problems or military personnel by providing adequate muscular strength and efficient gait assistance, particularly in adjusting to the dynamic phases of walking such as heel strike and toe-off.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus comprising a first support, a connection link, a distance adjustment assembly, an actuator, a heel guide, and a rotation limiter, which adjusts the distance between supports, provides power to rotate links, and limits angles to facilitate single rigid body motion, thereby assisting gait through phases of walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the second support and the connection link is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different gait phases and user requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the second support and connection link adjustable rather than fixed. The distance adjustment assembly allows the structure to dynamically change its configuration based on gait phase requirements, enabling adaptation to different walking conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection between the second support and connection link into adjustable components. By dividing this connection into adjustable segments with specific degrees of freedom, the system achieves adaptability to various gait phases without requiring complete structural redesign, thus balancing versatility with structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection link rotates freely relative to the first support, then the motion range is large, but it cannot provide effective shock absorption during heel strike
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the connection link with specific rotational constraints relative to the first support. These constraints are designed to limit the motion range in a way that provides shock absorption during heel strike, while still allowing sufficient motion for normal gait. The structure proactively prevents excessive rotation that would cause harmful shocks.
3Power
If the first adjustment link and connection link perform single rigid body motion, then the power transmission is efficient, but it requires precise angle control to avoid shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the minimum angle between the first adjustment link and connection link. By maintaining this angle within a specific range, the system achieves efficient single rigid body motion for power transmission while preventing the conditions that would lead to shock. The angle parameter is actively managed to balance efficiency and reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If the actuator is positioned between the first adjustment link and second adjustment link, then the space utilization is efficient, but the force transmission path is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the second adjustment link as an intermediary between the actuator and the first adjustment link. This intermediary component allows the actuator to be positioned in a space-efficient location while still effectively transmitting force through the mechanism. The second adjustment link mediates the force transmission, bridging the gap created by the compact actuator placement.
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 enhances user mobility by reducing shock, improving stability, and mimicking natural gait cycles, providing efficient power assistance during heel strike and toe-off phases, thus supporting users with joint issues and military personnel effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to generate a power to rotate at least one of the first adjustment link and the second adjustment link
Implementation Method 2
an elastic body configured to provide an elastic force to interfere with the connection link splaying from the first support
Implementation Method 3
a shock-absorbing member configured to absorb a shock occurring when the first adjustment link and the connection link perform the single rigid body motion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a motion assistance apparatus including a first support configured to support a first part of a user, a connection link rotatably connected to the first support, a second support configured to support a second part of a user, and a distance adjustment assembly configured to adjust a distance from the second support to the connection link.