Prosthetic Digit Motor Profiles for Low-Energy, Low-Noise Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prosthetic hands equipped with electric motors face challenges in reducing electrical noise and energy consumption, particularly during transitions between idle and non-idle states.
Innovation Solution
Implementing acceleration and deceleration profiles for the motor in a prosthetic hand to reduce energy consumption and electrical/mechanical noise by systematically changing the motor's duty cycle during state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric motor is used to facilitate movements of prosthetic digits, then the prosthetic hand can perform complex movements, but the motor introduces electrical noise and consumes significant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates using periodic on-off cycles rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the motor only when digit movement is required, allowing it to remain idle during periods when no movement is needed. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining the ability to perform complex movements when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor operation based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors the prosthetic hand's state and activates the motor only when movement is required, transitioning between idle and active states. This dynamic control optimizes energy usage by eliminating unnecessary motor operation while preserving full movement capability when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric motor is used to facilitate movements of prosthetic digits, then the prosthetic hand can perform complex movements, but the motor produces electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic on-off operation instead of continuous running, the motor generates electrical noise only during brief activation intervals. This reduces the overall noise footprint and allows noise-sensitive components to operate during idle periods when the motor is not active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates motor operation from continuous function, extracting the motor activity to specific moments when movement is required. This isolation of motor operation to discrete time intervals reduces its harmful effects on other system components that may be sensitive to electrical noise.
3Speed
If the motor operates continuously to maintain readiness, then the prosthetic hand responds quickly, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller prepares for potential movement by maintaining the ability to quickly activate the motor, without requiring continuous operation. System readiness is achieved through immediate response capability rather than constant motor running, allowing fast activation when needed while conserving energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between idle and active states based on movement requirements. This dynamic control allows the motor to remain stationary during idle periods, then activate quickly when movement is needed, achieving both energy savings and rapid response capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Routines and methods disclosed herein can increase a power efficiency of a prosthetic hand without drastically reducing the speed at which it operates. A prosthesis can implement an acceleration profile, which can reduce an energy consumption of a motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from an idle state to a non-idle state. A prosthesis can implement a deceleration profile, which can reduce the energy consumption of the motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from a non-idle state to an idle state.