Prosthetic Arm Compound Motion Assembly for Human-Like Range of Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic arms have limited movement capabilities, particularly for individuals who have lost their entire arm from shoulder to hand, with limited degrees of freedom and realistic movement, making finer tasks difficult.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic device with a compound motion assembly providing two-axis compound motion, featuring a motorized drive system and a safety mechanism, along with a user interface and tactile feedback, to enhance range of motion, comfort, and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing prosthetic arm designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the range of motion and degrees of freedom are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic arm is divided into multiple independent joint segments (shoulder, elbow, wrist) with separate actuation mechanisms. Each joint can be controlled independently to provide multi-axis movement, transforming a single rigid structure into a segmented articulated system that achieves human-like range of motion while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-axis rotation capabilities at each joint, adding rotational degrees of freedom in multiple dimensions. The shoulder joint provides abduction/adduction and flexion/extension, the elbow provides flexion/extension and rotation, and the wrist provides multiple rotational axes, collectively achieving 21 degrees of freedom that simulate natural human arm movement in three-dimensional space
2Measurement precision
If existing prosthetic hand designs are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the tactile capabilities and control precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Tactile sensors are integrated into the prosthetic hand to detect contact forces, pressure, and texture of objects. This sensory feedback is transmitted to the control system, which processes the information and adjusts motor actuation in real-time to provide precise control for fine tasks. The feedback loop enables the user to perceive tactile information and adjust grip force and hand positioning with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control system utilizes signals from the user's residual limb movements and physiological signals (such as EMG) to automatically control hand grasping and positioning without requiring complex manual operation. The system self-regulates grip force based on tactile sensor feedback, adjusting parameters dynamically to perform fine manipulation tasks with precision while minimizing the cognitive and physical burden on the user
3Productivity
If existing prosthetic devices are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the capability for finer tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic arm employs dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of joint positions, velocities, and accelerations. Motors and actuators are controlled with variable parameters to enable precise positioning for fine tasks. The system can dynamically adapt stiffness, damping, and force output at each joint, transforming a static mechanical structure into a dynamically controllable system capable of delicate manipulation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized dynamic components
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.