Multilayer Elastic Structure for Compact High-Force Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion assisting apparatuses face challenges in generating a large elastic force while maintaining a lightweight and compact configuration, as high-stiffness tension springs are cumbersome, and elastic members with closed-cell structures can bend abnormally under compression, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer elastic structure composed of alternately stacked elastic members with hermetically sealed air chambers and partition plates of higher stiffness, along with a flexible lengthy member and a tension imparting mechanism, which compresses the structure to generate a large elastic force without abnormal bending, and includes features like through holes and a guide tube to prevent friction and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a tension spring with high stiffness is used to generate a large elastic force, then the elastic force generation capability is improved, but the weight and size of the spring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is divided into multiple segments stacked in the compression direction, with partition plates positioned between them. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve high stiffness through the combined effect of multiple segments while keeping each individual segment lightweight and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining elastic members (with closed-cell structure) and partition plates (with higher stiffness). This composite approach allows the elastic members to provide elastic force while the partition plates provide structural support and prevent abnormal bending, achieving high stiffness without proportionally increasing weight.
2Force
If the natural length of the spring is increased to secure sufficient elongation, then the elastic force generation capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-direction elongation spring to a multi-segment stacked structure where elastic members are arranged in series along the compression direction. This dimensional reorganization allows the elastic structure to achieve sufficient variable range through stacking multiple compact segments rather than using a single long spring.
3Force
If the length in the compression direction of an elastic member is increased to secure a required variable range, then the elastic force variable range is improved, but the elastic member becomes prone to abnormal bending and buckling
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the elastic member into multiple shorter segments stacked in sequence, each segment maintains a length sufficient to resist buckling while the overall stacked structure achieves the required total variable range through the cumulative compression of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition plates are introduced as intermediary elements between elastic member segments. These partition plates provide lateral support and constraint to prevent abnormal bending and buckling of the elastic members during compression, while allowing the elastic members to maintain their functional length for sufficient variable range.
4Reliability
If a multilayer construction with partition plates is used to prevent abnormal bending, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support to prevent abnormal bending, act as spacers to maintain proper positioning of elastic member segments, and serve as attachment points for the flexible lengthy member. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity despite the multilayer construction.
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
The solution allows for a lightweight, compact device that effectively generates a large elastic force with high sensitivity, preventing abnormal bending and minimizing energy loss due to friction, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of the elastic force generation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member having a closed-cell structure (closed pore structure) incorporating hermetically sealed air chambers... allows an elastic force to be increased with high responsiveness to the compression thereof
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member having a closed-cell structure (closed pore structure) incorporating hermetically sealed air chambers... allows an elastic force to be increased with high responsiveness to the compression thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A joint power generating device (8) has a multilayer structure constituted by alternately stacking an elastic member (41), which incorporates a hermetically sealed air chamber, and a partition plate (42) with high stiffness, an elastic structure (31), which has a through hole (43) formed therein, and a flexible lengthy member (32) inserted in the through hole (43). The joint power generating device (8) is configured to transmit a force between the lengthy member (32) and the elastic structure (31) such that the force for compressing the elastic structure (31) increases as the tension on the lengthy member (32) increases.