Electric Motor Finger Limb Positioning via Electromagnetic Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finger limb technologies require strong and bulky motors with high energy storage due to self-locking transmissions for maintaining position against external forces, leading to limited operation time and potential damage during falls or uneven loads.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electric motor as a brake to maintain finger position with reduced current, voltage, and frequency, eliminating the need for self-locking transmissions, allowing for a variety of transmission types and adjustable finger stiffness based on energy supply, and positioning the motor within the finger limb for a slimmer design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking transmission (worm gear) is used to maintain finger position against external forces, then the finger can be held in position without motor power, but the motor and energy storage become stronger and bulkier, reducing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-locking function from the transmission mechanism and transfers it to the control system. Instead of using a worm gear transmission that mechanically locks the finger position, the system uses a belt transmission that allows free movement in both directions, and relies on electronic control to maintain position by applying minimal counteracting force through the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical self-locking transmission (worm gear) with an electronic control system that uses a standard belt transmission. The holding function is achieved through electronic feedback control that applies minimal motor force to counteract external forces, rather than through mechanical locking features.
2Reliability
If a self-locking transmission is used to maintain finger position, then position holding is achieved, but the motor and energy storage must be stronger and larger, making the finger bulky and limiting operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position holding function from the transmission mechanism and transfers it to the control system. A standard belt transmission is used instead of a worm gear, and the motor only needs to provide minimal force to counteract external forces through electronic control, significantly reducing motor size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical self-locking transmission with an electronic control system using a standard belt transmission. The motor size is reduced because it only needs to provide minimal counteracting force through electronic feedback control, rather than being oversized to handle peak loads through mechanical locking.
3Reliability
If a self-locking transmission is used, then the finger can maintain position without motor power, but the transmission has poor efficiency requiring increased energy supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-locking function from the transmission and transfers it to the control system. A belt transmission with high efficiency is used, and the system consumes minimal energy by applying only the force necessary to counteract external forces through electronic feedback control, rather than losing energy through friction in a self-locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the inefficient self-locking transmission with a high-efficiency belt transmission controlled by an electronic feedback system. Energy consumption is minimized because the motor only needs to provide minimal counteracting force through electronic control, avoiding the energy losses inherent in mechanical self-locking mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a self-locking transmission is used to hold finger position, then position stability is achieved, but the finger becomes heavier due to stronger motors and energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position stability function from the transmission mechanism and transfers it to the control system. A lightweight belt transmission is used instead of a worm gear, and the motor weight is reduced because it only needs to provide minimal counteracting force through electronic feedback control, significantly reducing overall finger weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy self-locking transmission with a lightweight belt transmission and electronic control system. The motor and energy storage can be smaller and lighter because the electronic feedback control efficiently manages the forces required for position stability, rather than requiring oversized mechanical components for safety margins.
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
This approach reduces energy consumption, prevents damage by allowing finger flexibility under external forces, and enables longer operation time with a more natural and lightweight design, distributing loads effectively across multiple fingers.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor can be used as a brake
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor, designed as a DC motor, as an electrically commutated motor, or a stepper motor, is supplied with a continuous or pulsed current so that the output shaft moves
Data Source
AI summary
A method for movement of at least a finger limb whereby, in order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied with a current. In order to maintain a position of the finger limb, the electric motor is supplied the with less energy than the current which is supplied to the electric motor for moving the finger limb.