Prosthetic Arm Battery Management for Extended 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 that includes a master controller for managing power from internal and external batteries, allowing for increased range of motion and tactile capabilities, and a modular design with non-backdriving clutches for independent segment control.
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 independent segments (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand) that can move relative to each other. Each segment has its own actuation mechanism, allowing independent control and increasing overall range of motion without requiring a single complex mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic arm employs dynamic actuation systems with multiple degrees of freedom at each joint. The system transitions from static positioning to dynamic multi-axis movement, enabling complex trajectories and fine motor control through coordinated activation of multiple actuators.
2Measurement precision
If existing prosthetic hand designs are used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but tactile capabilities and precision for fine tasks are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthetic hand incorporates specialized tactile sensors and actuation mechanisms at specific locations (fingertips, palm) where fine tactile discrimination is needed. Each finger has independent actuation with localized force feedback, providing high precision for fine tasks without requiring complex structures throughout the entire hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates tactile sensors that provide real-time force and position feedback to the control system. This closed-loop control enables precise manipulation by continuously adjusting actuator commands based on sensor input, allowing fine motor control comparable to natural human touch.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a single internal battery is used, then the device structure is simpler, but power duration and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple battery units that can be independently managed. The system includes a primary internal battery for continuous operation and secondary external batteries that can be attached to extend operational duration, allowing flexible power scaling without requiring a single large complex battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is designed to accept multiple battery configurations and types. The control system can automatically manage power from different battery sources, providing universal compatibility that extends operational duration while maintaining simple device architecture through standardized power interfaces.
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.