Tool-Coupled Orthotic Rigidity Control for Fastener Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive use of hand-operated tools for fastener installation leads to ergonomic fatigue in operators due to accumulated resistive forces, such as torque and friction, which are transferred from the tool to the user's arm.
Innovation Solution
An orthotic device that can be coupled to a fastener installation tool and worn by the user, configured to change between a relaxed and a rigid state in response to an activation signal from a controller. The orthotic device inhibits movement of the user's appendage when in the rigid state to prevent injury from resistive forces and returns to the relaxed state after the task is completed, allowing for free movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the orthotic device is made rigid to prevent injury from resistive forces, then safety and injury prevention are improved, but user mobility and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device employs a dynamic state transition mechanism, switching between a relaxed state (allowing free movement) and a rigid state (preventing injury). The system uses sensors to detect tool operation and automatically adjusts stiffness through actuators, making the protective function active only when needed during fastener installation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its mechanical parameter (stiffness/rigidity) based on operational conditions. When the tool is being operated, the orthotic device transitions to a rigid state with high stiffness to counteract resistive forces. When the tool is not in use, it returns to a relaxed state with low stiffness to allow normal arm movement and comfort.
2Reliability
If the orthotic device remains in rigid state to continuously protect from resistive forces, then injury prevention is improved, but task completion time increases due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device applies protection periodically rather than continuously. It activates the rigid protective state only during brief periods when the fastener installation tool is being operated, and returns to the relaxed state between tasks. This periodic activation minimizes interference with workflow while providing protection exactly when resistive forces are generated.
3Reliability
If the orthotic device is designed to be always rigid for maximum protection, then safety is improved, but ease of manufacture and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The orthotic device segments its functionality into distinct components: a relaxed state structure for normal movement, a rigid protective structure for injury prevention, sensors for detecting tool operation, and actuators for state transitions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by separating protective function from mobility function.
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 orthotic device effectively reduces ergonomic fatigue and prevents injuries by distributing and displacing resistive forces, allowing users to perform fastener installations with reduced strain and increased safety without increasing the time required for the task.
Implementation Method 1
The orthotic device is configurable between a relaxed state and a rigid state... changes the orthotic device from the relaxed state to the rigid state in response to operation of the fastener installation tool
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic device is coupleable to a fastener installation tool and is configured to be worn on an appendage of a user of the fastener installation tool. The orthotic device is configurable between a relaxed state and a rigid state, and includes at least one activation component responsive to an activation signal output by a controller in communication with the fastener installation tool. The at least one activation component changes the orthotic device from the relaxed state to the rigid state in response to operation of the fastener installation tool.