Motion Assistance Proximal Support Pressure Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assistance apparatuses do not effectively manage pressure distribution on the user's thigh during transitions from standing to sitting, leading to inefficient assistance in walking and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A motion assistance apparatus featuring a waist frame, a proximal support that adjusts pressure on the thigh based on the user's posture, and a rotary coupler that allows for adjustable positioning to optimize pressure distribution and assistive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the proximal support applies pressure to the thigh to assist knee extension, then walking assistance efficiency is improved, but pressure distribution becomes uneven during posture transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal support is designed to dynamically adjust its pressure application based on the user's posture. During transitions from standing to sitting, the support gradually increases pressure on the thigh, whereas in the sitting state it applies greater pressure to assist knee extension. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing pressure distribution for different functional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter applied by the proximal support based on detected posture states. When transitioning from standing to sitting, the pressure gradually increases to prevent sudden discomfort. When in the sitting state, the pressure is increased to maximize knee extension assistance. This parameter adjustment strategy simultaneously improves walking assistance efficiency and manages pressure distribution.
2Productivity
If the proximal support applies high pressure to assist knee extension in sitting state, then mobility assistance is improved, but user comfort during posture transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal support applies gradual pressure increase during the transition from standing to sitting as a preliminary action before full knee extension assistance is needed. This gradual pressure build-up prepares the user's thigh for the higher pressure that will be applied in the sitting state, preventing sudden discomfort while maintaining mobility assistance effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure levels based on posture detection. During posture transitions, pressure gradually increases to maintain comfort. Once the sitting state is detected, the system switches to applying greater pressure for optimal knee extension assistance. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between mobility assistance and user comfort.
3Device complexity
If the rotary coupler is fixed at a single position, then device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different user postures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the waist frame and proximal support is segmented through the rotary coupler, which can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the waist frame. This segmentation allows the proximal support to be adaptively positioned for different user postures and body types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The rotary coupler acts as a modular connection element that provides adjustability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assistance apparatus includes a waist frame configured to support a waist of a user, and a proximal support configured to support a proximal part of the user. A pressure applied to a thigh of the user by the proximal support in a sitting state in which the user is sitting may be greater than a pressure applied to the thigh of the user by the proximal support in a standing state in which the user is standing upright.