Motion Assistance Apparatus Adaptive Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for individuals with joint problems or elderly users lack effective control mechanisms to adjust power transmission based on the user's fixing state and walking conditions, leading to inefficient assistance and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus with a sensing portion that includes conductors, pressure sensors, and a controller to determine the fixing state of the user's body parts, adjusting power transmission accordingly, and a method to control the apparatus by sensing the fixing state, walking direction, and load direction to optimize assistance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motion assistance apparatus continuously transmits power to assist user motion, then the assistance effectiveness is improved, but the safety risk increases when the user is unfixed or walking uphill
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power transmission state based on real-time sensing of user fixing state and walking conditions. The controller transitions between continuous power transmission, reduced power transmission, and power interruption based on sensor feedback, making the assistance mechanism adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates sensors that continuously monitor user fixing state and walking conditions, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts power transmission accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing conditions
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus provides full power assistance at all times, then the walking support is improved, but the energy consumption increases unnecessarily during downhill walking or when user is unfixed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power transmission rather than full power when conditions warrant reduced assistance. During downhill walking or when the user is unfixed, the apparatus transmits reduced power or interrupts power completely, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining sufficient support when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus includes sensing portions and control mechanisms to adjust power transmission, then the safety and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing portions serve multiple functions: detecting user fixing state, determining walking direction (uphill/downhill), and monitoring walking conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors and control logic for each parameter, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus may include a first fixing member to be fixed to a portion of a user, a second fixing member to be fixed to another portion of the user, a driving source provided in the first fixing member, a power transmitting member connected between the driving source and the second fixing member, a sensing portion configured to sense a fixing state of the first fixing member or the second fixing member, and a controller configured to control the driving source based on information received from the sensing portion.