Motion Assistance Drive Module With Selective Multi-Output Power Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for elderly or individuals with joint problems lack efficient mechanisms to simultaneously drive multiple supporting modules with different relative positions using a single driving source, limiting their effectiveness in providing uniform support and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A driving module with a single driving source that utilizes a system of decelerators, pulleys, and stoppers to transmit power to multiple supporting modules, allowing for different gear ratios and selective power application to achieve various relative positions and motions, such as forward and backward movement, through a network of interconnected gears and power transmission members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driving source is used to drive multiple supporting modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve different relative positions and motions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decelerators as intermediary components between the single driving source and multiple supporting modules. These decelerators act as mediators that can independently adjust power transmission ratios, enabling different supporting modules to achieve different relative positions and motions while still being driven by a single motor. The decelerators translate the single driving source's uniform rotation into varied rotational speeds and positions for different modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power transmission path by introducing separate decelerators for each supporting module. Instead of directly connecting the driving source to all modules, the system divides the transmission path into independent segments, each with its own decelerator. This segmentation allows each module to be controlled independently in terms of position and speed, achieving versatility without requiring multiple driving sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple decelerators with different gear ratios are used, then the adaptability of relative positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the decelerators with universal applicability, where each decelerator can serve multiple functions: power transmission, speed reduction, and position control. The decelerators are designed with a standardized interface and control mechanism that allows them to be used across different supporting modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each module, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite providing varied gear ratios.
3Ease of operation
If stoppers are used to selectively enable or disable power transmission, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stoppers are designed to be controlled by the system itself rather than requiring external manual intervention. The control unit automatically actuates the stoppers based on the desired operation mode, allowing the system to selectively enable or disable power transmission to different supporting modules autonomously. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the stoppers are integrated into the existing control architecture.
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
Enables efficient and versatile motion assistance by allowing multiple supporting modules to have different relative positions, enhancing user mobility and support while reducing the volume of components at joint portions, thus improving wearability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a planet gear connected to an outer circumferential surface of the input side rotary body and configured to at least one of rotate with respect to an axis of rotation thereof or revolve around the input side rotary body using the power from the input side rotary body
Implementation Method 2
a pulley configured to act as the output terminal of the each of the first and second decelerators, the pulley including an outer circumferential surface over which a power transmitting member configured to transmit the power from the input side rotary body to another member connected to the driving module is to be wound
Data Source
AI summary
Driving modules, motion assistance apparatuses including at least one of the driving modules, and methods of controlling at least one of the motion assistance apparatuses may be provided. For example, a driving module including a driving source on one side of a user and configured to transmit power, an input side rotary body coupled to the driving source and configured to rotate, first and second decelerators configured to operate using the power respectively received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, and a first stopper and a second stopper configured to selectively enable or disable a transmission of the power between the input side rotary body and respective output terminals of the first and second decelerators may be provided.