Motion Assistance Link With Fastening Notification Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for assistive devices that can help elderly and patients with joint problems to walk and exercise comfortably, as existing solutions do not effectively provide adequate support and notification of secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus with a link having a fastening notification function, comprising a waist frame, thigh belt, actuator, upper and lower frames, and a link connecting these components, which includes a rotatable main screw, ascending and descending plate, handle, and inner elastic body to generate a contact sound when securely fastened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motion assistance apparatus is designed to provide adequate support for elderly users and patients, then the reliability and support effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion assistance apparatus is divided into multiple functional modules: a waist frame module, a thigh belt module, an actuator module, and a link module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to provide adequate support while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The link module serves multiple functions: it connects the upper and lower frames, transmits power from the actuator, and provides fastening notification through the contact sound mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the link is designed to securely fasten the upper frame to the lower frame, then the reliability of power transmission is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage through the rotation of the main screw. When the user rotates the main screw, the holder automatically moves along the screw axis to engage with the lower frame, and the elastic body automatically pushes the plate to contact the handle for notification. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable fastening without requiring complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic body provides tactile feedback through the contact sound when the plate contacts the handle during fastening. This auditory and tactile feedback informs the user that the fastening is complete, improving ease of operation by eliminating uncertainty about whether the link is properly secured, while maintaining reliable power transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the handle and plate are designed to rotate with the main screw, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle and plate are merged into a single rotating assembly that moves together with the main screw. The plate is supported by the elastic body and rotates simultaneously with the handle, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining ease of operation. This merging reduces the number of separate moving parts and eliminates the need for additional coupling mechanisms.
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 provides effective power transmission for assisting hip joint motion and enhances wearability by generating a perceivable contact sound when securely fastened, ensuring user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The ascending and descending plate receives an elastic force from the inner elastic body and moves along the axial direction of the main screw to contact with the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus may include a link having a fastening notification function. The motion assistance apparatus may include a waist frame and a waist belt worn around a waist of a user, a force transmission frame and a thigh belt worn around a thigh of the user, an actuator connected to the waist frame and configured to generate power, an upper frame connected to the actuator, a lower frame connected to the upper frame and configured to transmit the generated power to the force transmission frame, the link connecting the upper frame to the lower frame.