Prosthetic Arm Battery Management for Runtime and Weight Balance
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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, 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 reliable operation, allowing for improved range of motion and tactile capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
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 including shoulder assembly with abduction and flexion, elbow assembly with flexion, wrist assembly with rotation and flexion, and hand assembly. Each segment has its own motor and control system, allowing independent movement and increasing overall degrees of freedom from 1-2 in conventional designs to 7 or more in this invention.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthetic arm employs dynamic control systems with multiple motors that can adjust movement parameters in real-time based on user intent and task requirements. The system includes dynamic support apparatus with adjustable tension and positioning mechanisms that adapt to different usage scenarios, transforming the static structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple batteries are used for extended operation, then the duration of action is increased, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system employs a nested configuration where external batteries are housed within or alongside the prosthetic structure. The design integrates battery compartments into the existing framework, allowing multiple battery units to be accommodated without proportionally increasing overall device volume or weight. The nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and distributes weight more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching between different power sources and configurations. Users can adjust operational parameters such as motor power consumption, sensor activation levels, and communication frequency to optimize the balance between operational duration and device weight. The control system can enter low-power modes when full performance is not required.
3Reliability
If advanced power management systems are implemented, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including battery level monitoring, temperature sensing, and operational status detection. The master controller continuously receives feedback from various sensors and adjusts power distribution, charging rates, and system operations accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures reliable operation while preventing overheating, overcharging, and power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic power management functions that operate without constant user intervention. The master controller automatically balances power distribution among multiple motors, manages charging cycles for multiple batteries, and switches between power sources as needed. The system self-diagnoses and self-corrects common issues, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
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.