Prosthetic Arm Battery Management for Continuous Multi-Joint Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic arms have limited movement capabilities, particularly for users who have lost their entire arm from shoulder to hand, and provide limited degrees of freedom, making finer tasks difficult.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic system with a compound motion assembly and a battery management system that includes internal and external batteries, a master controller for power management, and a safety mechanism to ensure continuous operation, allowing for improved range of motion and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing prosthetic arm designs are used, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the range of motion and degrees of freedom are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic arm is divided into multiple functional segments including shoulder assembly, elbow assembly, wrist assembly, and hand assembly. Each segment can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing for extended range of motion while managing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic arm incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with dynamic joints at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. These joints enable adaptive movement in multiple directions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that can achieve complex trajectories and positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing prosthetic hand designs are used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the tactile capabilities and dexterity for finer tasks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tactile sensors and actuators are merged into the hand assembly, combining force sensing, position sensing, and multi-degree-of-freedom actuation in a single integrated unit. This consolidation enhances tactile capabilities while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical linkages are replaced with advanced actuation systems including motors, sensors, and control algorithms. This substitution enables sophisticated tactile feedback and dexterity while allowing for programmable control that simplifies the mechanical structure
3Duration of action of moving object
If a single internal battery is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the operational duration and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple battery units (internal and external) that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows for extended operational duration through battery replacement or recharging while maintaining manageable complexity through modular power architecture
Solution Approach 2:
A master controller acts as an intermediary between multiple battery sources and the prosthetic arm's various components. This intermediary manages power distribution, monitoring, and switching between power sources, enabling extended operational duration while simplifying the overall power management architecture
4Reliability
If limited power sources are used, then the device is simpler to design, but the reliability for continuous operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
An external battery can be connected in advance to recharge the internal battery or provide supplemental power before operation is needed. This preliminary action ensures continuous operation capability while maintaining system simplicity through optional pre-positioning of power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system dynamically changes operational parameters based on available power sources, battery charge levels, and operational demands. This adaptability ensures reliable continuous operation while managing complexity through intelligent parameter adjustment rather than fixed architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.