Programmable Exoskeleton for Precision Movement Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exoskeletons and movement assistance technologies often lead to incorrect operations, resulting in faulty work results and potential accidents due to the lack of precise control and feedback in movement sequences.
Innovation Solution
A work table with a device that couples to a person's body to support and guide specific movements, using a programmable exoskeleton-like mechanism to ensure accurate execution of movement sequences by providing feedback and limiting deviations from predetermined paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a person performs movements manually without assistance, then operational flexibility is maintained, but accuracy and precision of movement sequences deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives measurement signals from sensors that detect the person's movement state, evaluates these signals, and generates control signals to actuate the support device. This closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors and adjusts the support forces to guide the person's movements along predetermined accurate paths while maintaining natural operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the person and the task environment. It provides programmable mechanical support and guidance to the person's body parts, enabling accurate movement sequences without directly controlling the person's actions. The device mediates by applying supportive forces that guide movement while preserving the person's operational autonomy.
2Force
If exoskeletons provide movement support, then physical strain is reduced, but operational accuracy deteriorates due to lack of precise control
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the person's movement state and provide measurement signals to the control device, which evaluates these signals and adjusts the support device's actuation in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the support forces applied to reduce physical strain do not compromise movement accuracy, as the system continuously adapts to maintain precise movement sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed with programmable and adjustable support characteristics that can dynamically adapt to the task requirements and the person's needs. The control device can modify support parameters in real-time based on measurement signals, enabling the system to provide appropriate levels of physical assistance while maintaining movement accuracy across different operational conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If movement assistance devices are added to improve precision, then movement accuracy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed to provide multiple functions through a single integrated system. It can support different body parts, perform sensing and actuation, and adapt to various movement sequences through programmable control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high movement precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If programmable control is implemented to guide movements, then operational accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates autonomously by receiving measurement signals from sensors about the person's movement state, evaluating these signals through the control device, and automatically generating appropriate control signals to actuate the support device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual programming or intervention during operation, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high movement accuracy through automatic programmable control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (100) has a supporting unit coupled with a body part of a person to be controlled, where partial movement of the body part of the person is supported and/or guided by one of motion sequences. The supporting unit comprises a joint arrangement (107) formed for adapting kinematic anatomical properties of the device to the body part of the person and/or for transferring the motion sequence between the device and the body part of the person. A movement unit is equipped with vibration-damping actuators.