Powered Backpack Load Control via Ball Screw
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Carrying heavy loads for extended periods leads to increased metabolic energy consumption, muscle fatigue, and musculoskeletal damage, as traditional backpacks do not effectively control the vertical motion of the load, thereby increasing the burden on the human body.
Innovation Solution
A powered backpack device with a ball screw, elastic rope, data acquisition module, motion control module, and controller that adjusts the vertical acceleration and position of the load in real time, using sensors to monitor human and load acceleration, and a servo motor to reduce energy consumption and alleviate muscle fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional backpack is used to carry loads, then the load can be transported, but the energy consumption of the human body increases and muscle fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic rope is configured to balance the gravity of the load by providing upward traction force. The ball screw mechanism with servo motor generates counterbalancing forces to offset the weight of the load, reducing the burden on the human body and decreasing energy consumption during load carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vertical acceleration and position of the load based on real-time detection of human trunk acceleration. The control module continuously modifies the ball screw's motion to adapt to the wearer's walking state, optimizing energy savings while maintaining comfort.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the load is carried for extended periods, then the transport function is achieved, but muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously providing counterbalancing forces through the elastic rope and ball screw mechanism, the system reduces the effective weight borne by the human body during extended periods. This minimizes muscle fatigue and prevents musculoskeletal damage that would otherwise occur during prolonged load carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor detects human trunk acceleration in real time, and the control module uses this feedback to continuously adjust the ball screw's motion. This closed-loop control ensures the load's vertical motion adapts to the wearer's actual state, preventing harmful forces during extended operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vertical motion of the load is not controlled, then the backpack structure is simple, but the metabolic energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static backpack structure into a dynamic system where the ball screw mechanism actively controls the vertical position and acceleration of the load. The servo motor and control module enable real-time adjustments based on detected human motion, reducing metabolic energy consumption despite increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical load bearing with an active electromechanical control system. The ball screw mechanism driven by a servo motor substitutes for simple mechanical suspension, enabling precise control of load motion to minimize energy consumption while managing the complexity through integrated electronic control.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the load acceleration is not precisely controlled, then the control system is simpler, but the metabolic energy consumption is not reduced effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor provides real-time feedback on human trunk acceleration to the control module, which precisely adjusts the ball screw's motion accordingly. This closed-loop control system ensures accurate control of load vertical acceleration, enabling effective reduction of metabolic energy consumption through precise synchronization with the wearer's motion.
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 device achieves closed-loop control of the load's vertical motion, reducing metabolic energy consumption and musculoskeletal strain by adaptively adjusting the load's movement based on real-time human trunk acceleration, providing precise control and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
The load is arranged on the ball screw and is driven by the motion control module to move up and down on the ball screw
Implementation Method 2
one end of the elastic rope is fixedly arranged on the base plate, and the other end of the elastic rope is connected to the load by pulleys; the gravity of the load in a vertical direction is balanced by virtue of the traction of the elastic rope on the load
Implementation Method 3
one end of the elastic rope is fixedly arranged on the base plate, and the other end of the elastic rope is connected to the load by pulleys
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention belongs to the field of powered drive devices, and discloses a powered backpack device for assisting a human to walk with a load. The device includes a base plate and a load, a ball screw, an elastic rope, a data acquisition module, a motion control module, a power supply and a controller arranged on the base plate, wherein when the human starts walking with the backpack device on the back, the data acquisition module acquires a vertical acceleration of the human trunk in motion and transmits the acquired acceleration to the controller. The controller sets a desired vertical acceleration of the load according to the vertical acceleration of the human trunk and makes the motion control module drive the load to move at the desired acceleration on the ball screw. When the human stops walking, the data acquisition module acquires the position of the load and transmits the position of the load to the controller. The controller makes the load stay on the ball screw by virtue of the motion control module. By using the powered backpack device, the metabolic energy consumption is reduced, the shoulder pressure is reduced, and the burden on the human is relieved.