Motion Assistance Supporting Module Force Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses for individuals with joint problems or elderly users do not effectively sense and adjust force application to ensure proper direction and minimize interference, leading to inefficient assistance and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus with a supporting module that includes sensors to detect force and torque direction, a power transmitting member to apply force, and a controller to adjust the supporting member's velocity based on sensed information, using sensors like pressure, temperature, and EMG sensors to ensure force application in the desired direction and mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motion assistance apparatus applies force to assist user motion, then motion assistance effectiveness is improved, but force may be applied in incorrect direction causing interference and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (force sensors, torque sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, EMG sensors) to continuously monitor the direction and magnitude of force applied to the user's body part. The controller processes this feedback information and adjusts the driving source to correct any force application in incorrect directions, ensuring force is always applied in the desired motion assistance direction while preventing harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the velocity and force output of the supporting member based on real-time sensor feedback. The controller modifies operational parameters continuously to adapt to changing user needs and motion conditions, optimizing assistance effectiveness while minimizing discomfort through dynamic control rather than fixed force application.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect force direction and torque, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (force sensors, torque sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, EMG sensors) into a unified sensing system that serves multiple functions: detecting force direction, monitoring tissue temperature, assessing muscle activation, and verifying supporting member contact. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated sensor module, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting module, a motion assistance apparatus including the supporting module, and a method of controlling the motion assistance apparatus are provided. The supporting module may include a supporting member configured to enclose at least a portion of a support object, and a sensor module configured to sense information regarding whether the support object is out of a neutral position with respect to the supporting member.