Planetary Rotary Joint Module for Lightweight Walking Assistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance robots and devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting force and torque to joints, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency, particularly when used for military, manufacturing, and general walking assistance purposes.
Innovation Solution
A driving module comprising a gear train with a decelerating gear set, a rotary joint, and a joint bearing, which includes a planetary gear system integrated with the rotary joint, allowing for efficient power transmission and torque distribution, minimizing the size and weight of the device while maximizing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a wearable portion is provided as an external skeleton structure with a driving source disposed at the joint position, then the force and torque can be transmitted to the user's joints, but the device becomes thick and heavy, requiring the user to wear it over clothing which exposes it to the outside and reduces comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving source, gear train, and joint support structure into an integrated assembly that can be positioned away from the joint while still transmitting force effectively. The wearable portion is designed as a combined unit that integrates multiple functions (power transmission, gear reduction, and joint support) into a single compact structure, reducing overall weight and improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the driving source from a direct joint-mounted configuration to a location distributed along the longitudinal axis of the supporting module. This spatial redistribution allows the heavy components to be positioned in a more ergonomically favorable location that reduces the moment arm and decreases the effective weight burden on the user while maintaining force transmission capability.
2Weight of moving object
If the driving source is disposed away from the joint position along the longitudinal axis of the supporting module, then the weight distribution is improved and comfort is enhanced, but the torque transmission efficiency to the joint may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a joint aligning ring as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the remotely positioned driving source and the joint. This ring ensures proper alignment and maintains efficient torque transmission despite the increased distance, acting as a mechanical mediator that preserves power transmission effectiveness while allowing the driving source to be positioned for optimal weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting module is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a structural support element and as a power transmission pathway. The longitudinal axis configuration allows the same structure to fulfill multiple roles: supporting the user's weight, transmitting torque from the driving source, and providing a compact arrangement that optimizes weight distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy components.
3Force
If a gear train with decelerating gear set is used to transmit power from the driving source, then the torque can be amplified for joint assistance, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the joint aligning ring is rotatably inserted into one side of the gear train, and the rotary joint is attached to the joint aligning ring. This nesting consolidates multiple components into a compact hierarchical structure, reducing the overall device size and complexity while maintaining the torque amplification function of the decelerating gear set.
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 enables effective power transmission and torque distribution, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of walking assistance, improving user mobility and reducing the burden on the user's joints, particularly on hip and thigh movements.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary joint attached to the joint aligning ring, and configured to rotate using power received from the gear train
Implementation Method 2
a gear train including a decelerating gear set configured to rotate using power received from the driving source
Implementation Method 3
a joint bearing disposed between the joint aligning ring and the rotary joint, and attached to the gear train
Data Source
AI summary
A driving module including a driving source configured to generate power, a gear train including a decelerating gear set configured to receive driving power from the driving source and a ring gear attached to one side thereof, and a rotary joint including at least one planetary gear configured to rotate using power received from an output end of the decelerating gear set and to revolve along the ring gear is disclosed.